The Dallas Stars are deep in talks with left winger Jason Robertson, a restricted free agent who is poised to become an unrestricted free agent next summer if a long‑term agreement isn’t reached. The club has put a $12 million offer on the table, while Robertson is seeking $14 million, leaving a $2 million gap that has yet to be bridged.
Robertson’s ask represents a significant raise from his current $7.75 million salary, and the financial standoff has sparked speculation about his future in Dallas. The Stars have made it clear that re‑signing the 27‑year‑old is their preferred outcome, but they have also begun scouting trade possibilities, including a sign‑and‑trade proposal with the Seattle Kraken that Robertson turned down.
Negotiation Standoff
General manager Jim Nill has publicly stated that the organization’s priority is to keep Robertson if a mutually beneficial deal can be struck. However, the team is also aware that the player’s willingness to sign a long‑term extension could influence the market for his services, making it difficult for other clubs to acquire him without his consent.
Beyond Robertson, the Stars have a handful of other pending free agents and potential trade targets that they must evaluate before the July 1 deadline. Names such as Mavrik Bourque, Jamie Benn, Dylan Larkin and Zach Werenski appear on the radar, though none have yet secured a definitive contract status.
Roster Implications
If Robertson decides not to sign an extension, the Stars could be forced to explore trade options that might bring back valuable assets before the deadline. The situation also adds pressure on the club’s salary‑cap management, as allocating a larger share of the cap to Robertson could limit flexibility for other signings.
The broader market impact should not be overlooked. Teams looking to acquire Robertson would need to navigate his no‑trade clause and the uncertainty surrounding his long‑term commitment, which could affect the asking price and the likelihood of a deal materializing.
What’s Next
With the July 1 deadline looming, both the Stars and Robertson’s camp are expected to intensify negotiations in the coming weeks. The outcome will not only determine the left winger’s future but also shape the composition of Dallas’s roster heading into the next season.