The trade speculation surrounding Leafs' Nick Robertson never really died down, and now two teams have come to the forefront as most likely to acquire him. The NHL trade deadline remains a ways off, but <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/toronto-maple-leafs/maple-leafs-connected-to-two-veteran-centers-to-fix-the-middle-six-as-the-nhl-trade-deadline-approaches' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>that hasn't stopped speculation as to who Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving will bring in</a> to help bolster the team's playoff chances. Along with trade targets, there's plenty of chatter about who Toronto might send packing. Pontus Holmberg, it would seem, is on his way out due to not having fulfilled expectations, while even Mitch Marner's name has popped up in trade blockbusters; however, the player who very often is a trade talking point is Nick Robertson. NHL Insider Dave Pagnotta recently reported that Robertson is being eyed by two Western Conference teams. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/HockeyPatrol/status/1877098102902997394'> </a></blockquote></div> <a href='https://www.thefourthperiod.com/trade-watch-list-2025-x1' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>In his latest trade watchlist</a>, Pagnotta had Robertson 24th among players likely to be moved and listed the Dallas Stars and Seattle Kraken as the top contenders for his services. The Maple Leafs want to upgrade their mid-six and have continued to dangle Robertson as trade bait. He could be packaged up in a move for an upgrade as Toronto has its sights set on chasing a Stanley Cup. Teams Reportedly Linked: Dallas, Seattle <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/TheFourthPeriod/status/1877002937123140036'> </a></blockquote></div> It makes some sense that the Stars would have an interest in <a href='https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/player/nicholas-robertson-8481582' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Robertson</a>, given that his older brother Jason is such a big part of the roster. Six goals and four assists don't sound like much, but Nick has picked up since the beginning of the year. A move to Dallas with a familial connection could re-spark his potential. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/HockeyDaily365/status/1869561346473509230'> </a></blockquote></div> Toronto will also look to add players that'll help with their depth. Toronto may look towards Mason Marchment, who would add physicality and a scoring punch, however, his $4.5M cap hit is not very easy to absorb. Seattle's Yanni <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/toronto-maple-leafs/maple-leafs-connected-to-two-veteran-centers-to-fix-the-middle-six-as-the-nhl-trade-deadline-approaches' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Gourde has also been mentioned in Toronto</a>. While smaller in stature, Gourde brings grit, defensive acumen, and playoff experience, with two Stanley Cup rings from Tampa Bay to the table. His $5.167M cap hit would necessitate some salary movement on the part of the Leafs, however. With the deadline looming, Treliving has some huge decisions to make on who stays and who goes. For now, though, all eyes are on which team will win the bid for Nick Robertson.