The NHL rumor mill is buzzing, and one of the most intriguing names to surface is Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson. According to a report from NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, while the Stars aren’t actively shopping the 25-year-old winger, they are listening to trade offers. This subtle distinction is key, and it opens the door to a potential blockbuster move that could reshape the Stars’ roster and the landscape of the league.
The Cap Crunch in Dallas
So, why would the Stars even consider moving a player of Robertson’s caliber? It all comes down to the salary cap. Stars general manager Jim Nill has been busy this offseason, re-signing key players like Matt Duchene, Mavrik Bourque, and Nils Lundkvist. After trading Mason Marchment to Seattle to shed some salary, the Stars are still left with just over $2.75 million in cap space for the 2025-26 season with a nearly full roster. Robertson, who carries a $7.75 million average annual value (AAV), is slated to become a restricted free agent (RFA) with arbitration rights next July. A significant pay raise is on the horizon for the young star, and the Stars may not have the financial flexibility to accommodate it.
From my perspective as a long-time follower of NHL trade rumors, this is a classic case of a team being a victim of its own success. The Stars have drafted and developed a wealth of young talent, and now they are facing the inevitable challenge of keeping everyone under the salary cap. While trading Robertson would be a tough pill to swallow for the fans in Dallas, it could provide the team with the cap relief needed to maintain a deep and competitive roster for years to come.
Potential Suitors For Jason Robertson and a Possible Return
If the Stars do decide to pull the trigger on a Robertson trade, there will be no shortage of interested teams. A young, elite scorer like Robertson is a rare commodity in today’s NHL. Teams with ample cap space and a need for a top-line offensive talent will be lining up to make an offer. The return for a player of Robertson’s stature would be significant, likely involving a combination of high-end prospects, first-round draft picks, and a young roster player who can contribute immediately.
This is a situation that will likely play out over the course of the summer. Nill and the Stars’ front office will take their time, weigh their options, and make the decision that they believe is in the best long-term interest of the franchise. Whether that involves a contract extension for Robertson or a franchise-altering trade remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: the Jason Robertson rumors will be a major storyline to follow in the coming weeks and months.
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The post The Stars are Listening: Analyzing the Jason Robertson Trade Rumors appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
