A short-term deal has fans dreaming — and doubting
Fans of the Edmonton Oilers took to social media after Jason Robertson inked a one-year, $12 million deal with the Stars, but few believed it opened the door for Edmonton to sign the forward next summer. Some saw it as a chance. Bleed Oil Blue posted a thread hinting the move could be a temporary bridge for Robertson — and thus, a free agent target for the Oilers. Others weren't buying.
27-year-old Robertson is coming off a season in which he tallied 96 points and 45 goals, including eight in six playoff games. He's been Dallas' top scorer since being drafted in 2017. That kind of production has made him a cornerstone, and fans in Edmonton are already assuming he won’t leave his current team.
Why it’s not happening (according to the fans)
One Oilers fan was blunt: “No, because he will want to sign with a good team.” Another said, “Can’t afford him. Our payroll would be way too top-end heavy.” Dallas, by contrast, has a clear path to offer more cap space next year. That’s what most experts expect the Stars to do — and the fans agree.
The Stars' GM Jim Nill put the matter to rest, saying in a statement that Robertson is a “cornerstone” of the franchise. That didn’t stop Oilers fans from throwing out alternative plans. One suggested trading for him at the deadline while Dallas retains half his cap hit. Others thought he might move for a big American market — but only if Dallas let him go.
The reality: the Stars are in control
Robertson has four years left on his contract, and the Stars' financial structure gives them room to offer him something long-term in 2025. That’s when fans and analysts are predicting a big-money extension. For the Oilers, with a team already stacked at the top and a new coach and GM in place, it’s a long shot to even get the ball rolling.
Robertson's playmaking and goal-scoring would make him an instant upgrade for the Oilers' top line. But the math doesn’t add up — not for the salary cap, and not for the odds of it happening at all.