Stars GM weighing all Robertson options — The Fourth Period
The Dallas Stars want to keep Jason Robertson, that much is clear, but it’s becoming more questionable as to whether they actually can.
Robertson, 26, will see his four-year, $31 million contract expire at the end of the month, which makes him eligible to become a restricted free agent July 1.
The Stars have gone back and forth with Robertson’s camp on an extension, and reportedly offered him an eight-year, $96 million contract last week, but that wasn’t enough to get him signed. Some reports suggest Robertson is looking for around $14 million per season on his next contract.
Stars GM Jim Nill said on Saturday that it’s the team’s priority to get Robertson locked up.
“Jason is definitely a priority for us,” Nill told 96.7 The Ticket in Dallas. “He’s a player we’ve drafted, developed. He’s come in, he’s been a star in the league. He’s definitely a player we want to prioritize to get signed and we continue to go through those negotiations.”
As Nill tries to navigate contract talks, he’s also engaged in trade discussions with multiple teams over Robertson’s potential availability.
The Ottawa Senators, Detroit Red Wings, Seattle Kraken, Utah Mammoth and Pittsburgh Penguins are just five of the teams believed to have expressed interest in Robertson and Nill continues to gauge the market.
If Robertson hits the market next week as an RFA, the risk of an offer sheet presents itself, one that Robertson himself would have to agree to.
Talks continue and both contract negotiations and trade conversations may intensify leading into the first-round of the NHL Draft tomorrow in Buffalo.
In 82 games with the Stars this past season, Robertson registered 45 goals and 51 assists for 96 points, the second-highest points total in a season in his career.
