The chatter surrounding the Pittsburgh Penguins and a potential summer blockbuster is getting louder, and the name at the center of it all is massive: Jason Robertson. If you thought Kyle Dubas was done taking big swings after the Erik Karlsson experiment, think again.
Josh Yohe of The Athletic recently speculated that the Penguins are preparing to aggressively hit the trade market this summer, specifically targeting a young, elite forward to bridge the gap between the Crosby era and the future. The target? The Dallas Stars’ 26-year-old scoring machine.
Here is the reality of the situation: The Dallas Stars are currently in “win-now” mode, chasing a Stanley Cup with everything they have. They aren’t moving Robertson before the deadline. However, come July 1, the landscape shifts dramatically. Robertson is slated to become a restricted free agent (RFA) with arbitration rights. This specific contract status is the breadcrumb trail that leads straight to Pittsburgh.
Why Kyle Dubas Is Ready to Strike a Deal with the Dallas Stars
As an analyst watching the Penguins’ front office maneuver over the last two seasons, this potential fit screams “Kyle Dubas.” The Penguins’ GM has never been afraid to acquire high-end skill, even at a premium.
While some might argue that the Penguins need to rebuild from the ground up, Dubas operates under the mandate of keeping the team competitive while Sidney Crosby is still wearing the ‘C’. Acquiring Robertson isn’t just about adding a 40-goal scorer; it’s about succession planning.
The Stars may be forced to make Robertson available due to their own internal cap crunch and the need to re-sign other key pieces. If Dallas signals that Robertson is available, Pittsburgh is one of the few teams with the unique combination of salary cap flexibility and the desperation to make a splash.
Dubas has the assets to make a solid pitch. We aren’t talking about offer sheets here—Yohe correctly points out that the compensation (multiple first-round picks) would be prohibitive and frankly, un-presidential for Dubas. This will be a “hockey trade.”
The Contract Risk: RFA Status and Long-Term Security
The on-ice fit is undeniable. Put Robertson on a wing with Crosby or Malkin, and his high-danger shooting metrics suggest he could challenge for the Rocket Richard Trophy. However, the business side is where this gets tricky.
The Penguins would be well-situated to outbid most teams in terms of trade assets and cap space. The burning question is whether Robertson would be committed to joining Pittsburgh on a maximum-term deal (7 years).
Because he has arbitration rights, Robertson holds significant leverage. He could theoretically accept a trade to Pittsburgh, opt for arbitration, sign a one-year award, and then walk straight into Unrestricted Free Agency (UFA) in 2027.
This scenario is the nightmare fuel for any GM. If Robertson tests the market in 2027, the Penguins would have surrendered massive assets for what amounts to a one-year rental during a re-tooling phase. That would crush his value in next season’s trade market, making him enticing only to Stanley Cup contenders seeking a postseason rental. Dubas would need a sign-and-trade agreement in place before pulling the trigger, ensuring Robertson is the face of the franchise for the next decade.
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