The Toronto Maple Leafs are navigating a challenging start to the 2025-26 season, grappling with injuries and inconsistent performances. Despite these headwinds, several player-related storylines are capturing attention, including defenseman Chris Tanev's return from injury, trade rumors surrounding forward Nick Robertson, and the recent trade of prospect Nikita Grebenkin.
Tanev Nearing Return
The Maple Leafs' defense is set to receive a boost with the imminent return of Chris Tanev. Tanev has been sidelined with an upper-body injury sustained on October 21st against the New Jersey Devils following a collision with Dawson Mercer. The team subsequently placed him on injured reserve. However, Tanev has since cleared concussion protocol and participated in practice, skating alongside Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Tanev told reporters on Friday that he is likely to play Saturday against the Flyers. His return promises to stabilize the Leafs' defensive core, providing much-needed experience and physicality. The veteran defenseman's presence will be a welcome addition as the team looks to solidify its defensive game.
Robertson's Uncertain Future
Nick Robertson's future with the Maple Leafs remains a topic of speculation as the team continues to explore trade options. Despite showing flashes of potential, Robertson has struggled to consistently cement his place in the lineup. This season, he has two goals and four points in 10 games, experiencing fluctuations in his ice time and linemates.
TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger reported that the Leafs are open to trading Robertson for the right return, ideally a player of similar age. While some teams are reportedly intrigued by Robertson's capabilities, the Maple Leafs are in no rush to move him without a satisfactory offer. Robertson's situation is complicated by his desire for a larger role and more opportunities, which he may not consistently find in Toronto.
Robertson signed a one-year, $1.825 million contract with the Maple Leafs on Aug. 2, 2025, to avoid an arbitration hearing. Selected 53rd overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, Robertson has appeared in 160 games for the Maple Leafs across parts of six seasons, scoring 32 goals with 57 points.
Grebenkin Traded to Flyers
In a move at the NHL Trade Deadline, the Maple Leafs traded prospect Nikita Grebenkin to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for center Scott Laughton. Grebenkin, a fifth-round pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, had played seven games for the Leafs this season, primarily contributing to the Toronto Marlies in the AHL.
Grebenkin expressed that he wasn't surprised by the trade, sensing that a move was possible. He acknowledged the difficulty of leaving Toronto but is eager to join the Flyers organization and continue his development. "I knew I could be traded. I wasn't completely sure, but there were signs,” Grebenkin said. He is currently awaiting a work visa to join the Leigh High Valley Phantoms, the Flyers' AHL affiliate. During his time with the Leafs organization, Grebenkin became a fan favorite, partially due to his sense of humor.
As the Maple Leafs navigate the early stages of the season, these player-related developments add intrigue and uncertainty to the team's trajectory. Tanev's return should help stabilize the defense, while the ongoing speculation surrounding Robertson's future and Grebenkin's departure create questions about the team's long-term roster construction.
