From the edge of a trade to another season in Dallas
Jason Robertson celebrated his 27th birthday on Wednesday, and just one day later, he signed a $12 million contract to continue playing with the Dallas Stars. The deal came after the Stars nearly sent him to Seattle in a sign-and-trade deal just weeks ago. Now, Robertson is shifting focus to the future. “Just want to focus on having a great summer this year and coming into camp ready to go and trying to win a (Stanley) Cup,” he said.
Over the past six seasons with Dallas, Robertson has consistently delivered standout performances. He has recorded 490 points in 456 regular-season games, including 213 goals and 277 assists. Last year, he led the team with 96 points, scoring 45 goals and setting up 51 others. He played a key role in the playoffs as well, tallying five goals and three assists in six games. Robertson’s ability to produce has made him one of the most consistent forwards in the league.
A near-trade to Seattle derailed, a short deal agreed
The Stars had previously agreed to a trade that would have sent Robertson to the Kraken for the seventh overall pick at the draft. However, those plans fell through because he refused to sign a long-term deal with Seattle, which reportedly offered $15 million a year for eight years. That trade never materialized, and instead, he accepted the one-year, $12 million contract that was negotiated to avoid an arbitration hearing scheduled for Saturday.
The Stars were eager to keep their top performer. General manager Jim Nill has called Robertson a 'franchise cornerstone' and said the team is hopeful about reaching a long-term deal. However, any multiyear extension will have to wait until January 1, 2026, which means the Stars must be patient. Nill confirmed the team will begin working on a new contract for Robertson well before that deadline, hoping to finalize an agreement that keeps him in Dallas.
Looking ahead: cap space, Seguin, and a better position for Dallas
Robertson’s new contract ties him to a salary of $12 million for the 2026-27 season, matching Mikko Rantanen, who recently signed an eight-year, $96 million deal with Dallas. Rantanen was acquired from Carolina in March 2025, and the Stars had also considered sending Robertson to Seattle in a similar trade that never happened. Robertson’s one-year contract allows the Stars to better position themselves financially for a potential long-term extension.
The 2026 offseason could be a turning point. Veteran forward Tyler Seguin is entering the final season of his contract, which pays $9.85 million annually. At the same time, the NHL salary cap is expected to increase by almost that same amount, which could give the Stars the space they need to offer a more competitive deal to Robertson. “I’m happy to be playing with them starting in September,” he said, “and see where it goes.”
Robertson, the 39th overall pick in the second round of the 2017 NHL draft, has played in every regular-season game for the past four years. He has accumulated 365 points (155 goals, 210 assists) during that span. With a proven track record and the Stars looking to build toward a championship, his return for 2026 is a crucial step in their plans.
Both Nill and Robertson emphasized their shared goal of getting a deal done quickly. They want to avoid another year of uncertainty, which is why they moved ahead with the one-year contract. Nill said they explored various scenarios, including longer-term offers, but agreed on the best option for now. “This was probably the best fit for this time,” Nill said.
Despite the recent trade rumors and contract negotiations, Robertson remains committed to the Stars. He said the business side of hockey is just that — business — and that he trusts both sides to find a solution that works for everyone in the long run. “I don’t know their future plans, and they don’t know ours either,” he said, “but I’m sure we’re just both content to getting it done.”