The Dallas Stars lost in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and now have some tough decisions to make. Jason Robertson needs a new contract, but the Stars may trade him because of their lack of salary cap space. TSN's Pierre LeBrun says that the other contracts on the team's books are forcing Dallas to keep Robertson's offer low.
“I think Robertson really wants to stay in Dallas. I mean, it's a team that's knocking at the door every year. But, for the Dallas Stars, I just don't think they can stomach making him the highest-paid player on the team, which is where the ask is right now, according to what I'm hearing. Deadlines are there for a reason; everyone stops the poker face and shows their real hand closer to a deadline, so let's see what happens on that one.”
The Stars' highest-paid player for the 2026-27 season is Mikko Rantanen, who is due $12.5 million for seven more seasons. Robertson wants more, in part because the salary cap is higher now than when Rantanen signed that deal. According to PuckPedia, Dallas only has $9.2 million in cap space to spend.
If the Stars and Robertson cannot get a deal done before July 1, a trade is likely. The Stars want a return similar to what they paid to get Rantanen, according to ESPN's Greg Wyshynski. That included center Logan Stankoven, but players cannot be a part of offer sheet compensation. Trading Robertson is a better option for the Stars than letting him go on an offer sheet.
The Buffalo Sabres have been heavily rumored in the Robertson trade market. They now have two first-round picks in this year's draft, which is on Friday. Could that deal get done before the 4th overall pick gets on the clock? Or will Robertson stay in Dallas?
