Penguins Acquired Forward Nick Robertson in July Trade
The Pittsburgh Penguins added depth by trading a 2027 draft pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs for the forward.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Hockey
Live Poll
Do you support your local team prioritizing signing players who have worked with management before?
On July 1, the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired forward Nick Robertson from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round draft pick. Following the trade, Robertson signed a two-year contract with the Penguins on July 14.
Why it matters
The move was driven by recent management changes in Toronto and existing professional familiarity between Penguins leadership and the forward. Robertson is slated to compete for a top-line role as the organization seeks to integrate his scoring ability into the lineup.
Nick Robertson recorded 16 goals and 16 assists across 78 games last season. The 5-foot-9, 180-pound forward was originally selected 53rd overall in the 2019 NHL Draft.
The players
Nick Robertson
He is a professional hockey forward who previously played for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Pittsburgh Penguins
They are a professional NHL franchise based in Pittsburgh that competes in the Metropolitan Division.
Toronto Maple Leafs
They are a professional NHL team based in Toronto that competes in the Atlantic Division.
The details
After filing for salary arbitration, Robertson secured his two-year deal with Pittsburgh. The organization expects him to open preseason competition on the top line, marking a significant transition from his tenure in Toronto.
Timeline
Nick Robertson was selected in the 2019 NHL Draft.
The Pittsburgh Penguins acquired Robertson on July 1, 2026.
The forward signed his new two-year contract on July 14, 2026.
The trade involves a draft pick selection in 2027.
Season Trajectory
This acquisition represents a targeted roster adjustment for the Penguins as they seek to strengthen their scoring depth following a period of organizational transition. It reshapes the team's forward rotation heading into the upcoming campaign.
Robertson arrives with a $3.25 million salary cap hit that factors into the team's long-term financial flexibility. Fans can expect him to immediately challenge for significant ice time given his 12:40 average from the previous season.
The takeaway
The addition of Robertson provides the Penguins with immediate offensive versatility as the team retools its forward lines. Fans should monitor his performance during early preseason contests to gauge his impact on the team's scoring output.
Further reading
For more on the current state of the team, visit Pittsburgh Hockey.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TribLIVE.
Live Poll
Do you support your local team prioritizing signing players who have worked with management before?
