'Want to make this work': Stars GM on possible long-term Robertson extension
Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill has expressed his desire for forward Jason Robertson to conclude his career with the franchise, despite Robertson recently signing a one-year, $12 million contract. This agreement was reached to avoid arbitration, with the deal announced on Tuesday.
Robertson, who turned 27 on Wednesday, is eligible to re-sign with Dallas starting January 1. If no long-term agreement is reached, he will become an unrestricted free agent next July.
Contract Negotiations and Player Perspective
Prior to the one-year deal, both long-term and short-term contracts were discussed between Robertson’s representatives and the Stars. Nill stated that Robertson wanted to remain a Dallas Star, and the one-year agreement was seen as beneficial for both parties at this time.
Robertson, however, maintained a more reserved stance regarding his long-term future. He indicated that he was content to start the upcoming season in Dallas and focus on his performance. He acknowledged that the team held his rights and that the current deal provides both sides with time to re-evaluate future plans.
The forward also addressed rumours surrounding his contract situation, stating that not everything reported online is accurate. He emphasized that the opinions of his agency, the organization, and his friends are what matter most to him.
Performance and Trade Rumours
Robertson has accumulated 490 points, comprising 213 goals and 277 assists, in 456 career regular-season games with the Stars. This past season, he led the team with 96 points, including 45 goals and 51 assists. This marked his third season with 40 or more goals. He recently completed a four-year, $31 million deal that began in 2022.
Despite Nill’s stated long-term vision for Robertson, there were reports of a potential trade. Nill confirmed that a sign-and-trade deal was in place to send Robertson to the Seattle Kraken for the seventh overall pick at the conclusion of the NHL Draft. This proposed deal reportedly included an eight-year contract extension worth $120 million, or $15 million annually, from the Kraken, which Robertson declined.
Robertson’s previous contract had a cap hit of $7.75 million. He was seeking a significant increase in salary, especially given the rising NHL salary cap. The Stars are currently facing salary-cap constraints, sitting slightly over the limit after signing Robertson.
Implications for the Stars and Robertson
The one-year contract provides the Stars with additional time to manage their salary cap situation. With the cap projected to increase significantly for the 2027-28 season, Dallas anticipates having more flexibility to accommodate a long-term deal for Robertson in the future. Nill has the option to continue negotiating a longer extension or consider trading Robertson during the season to acquire assets that could help the team contend for the Stanley Cup.
Robertson’s decision to sign a short-term deal is seen by some as a strategic move to leverage the increasing value of young stars in the league. He had filed for arbitration before settling, and other teams had reportedly shown interest in acquiring him. The value of players like Robertson is rapidly evolving, particularly with the threat of offer sheets, as evidenced by Leo Carlsson‘s $18 million-per-season deal with the Anaheim Ducks.
Robertson’s previous season saw him score 45 goals, tying for fourth among NHL skaters in 2025-26 alongside teammate Wyatt Johnston, Kirill Kaprizov, and Macklin Celebrini. He has averaged 91 points over the past four regular seasons, playing in all 82 games each season. In the recent playoffs, he recorded five goals and eight points in six games before the Stars were eliminated by the Minnesota Wild in the first round.
Robertson can become the NHL’s top unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2027.
Source: sportsnet.ca
