Nick Robertson's injury could cost the Leafs another player.

The Toronto Maple Leafs lost forward Nick Robertson just minutes into their Saturday night matchup against the Ottawa Senators, which meant that after many months of anticipation Nick Robertson's debut in the National Hockey League had actually turned into a complete disaster. Now you certainly can't fault Robertson for getting injured but the reality is that this has no left the Maple Leafs in a very precarious position as it relates to the NHL's salary cap, one that could even result in the Leafs losing yet another player. 

Now there have been some reports suggesting that the Leafs could use a Roster Emergency Exemption to recall Robertson's replacement, however there are now conflicting reports in this regard. NHL insider Chris Johnston reported earlier today that this was indeed the case, which would in theory resolve this issue for the Leafs before it even started.

Toronto Maple Leafs insider James Mirtle on the other hand cited a rule in the new collective bargaining agreement that would appear to indicate this would only apply to players who are out due to reasons related to the COVID protocols, something that obviously would not apply to Robertson's injury.

If Mirtle is correct this means very bad news for the Maple Leafs who according to Cap Friendly only have $650,920 in available cap space to replace Robertson. As much as you don't want to root for a player to be hurt, the best case scenario here for the Leafs could very well be one in which Robertson will be out for the long term. This would allow the Maple Leafs to place him on long term injured reserve, effectively relieving the team of his $821,667 cap hit and making it much easier to call up a replacement. 

The Maple Leafs could also waive goaltender Aaron Dell in order to move him to their taxi squad but the belief is that the Leafs view this as a last resort, feeling that Dell would be claimed should he be placed on waivers and for good reason. The Edmonton Oilers are scrambling for a goaltender right now having lost both Anton Forsberg to waivers and Mike Smith to injury, and there's no question they would submit a claim for Dell should he go on waivers.

The Leafs however may not have much choice moving forward.