Robertson rejects Kraken offer; Stars circling back to other interested teams
Jason Robertson, a winger for the Dallas Stars, has rejected a contract offer from the Seattle Kraken, leading the Stars to re-engage with other teams that had previously shown interest in the player. This development follows a failed sign-and-trade attempt involving the Kraken, according to league sources.
The Kraken had been granted permission to negotiate with Robertson as part of a potential trade with Dallas. However, Robertson turned down an eight-year contract offer that was reportedly in the “$15 million range” annually. The Kraken, who had shown strong interest in Robertson, are now expected to pursue other targets.
Negotiations and Trade Interest
The Stars are now resuming discussions with other teams that had expressed interest in trading for Robertson. Despite exploring trade options, the Stars are also maintaining communication with Robertson’s agent, Andy Scott, in an effort to bridge the gap in ongoing contract negotiations.
There has been a significant difference in the financial terms discussed. Robertson’s contract demands are understood to be higher than the $12 million annual salary of Mikko Rantanen, who is currently the Stars’ highest-paid player. The Stars are reportedly hesitant to deviate substantially from Rantanen’s salary structure.
Among the teams that have inquired about Robertson are the Chicago Blackhawks, who are reportedly conducting their due diligence. The situation does not have an immediate deadline, as Robertson is a restricted free agent.
The possibility of an offer sheet from another team could create pressure for Dallas to make a decision before free agency opens. An offer sheet, however, would be limited to a maximum seven-year deal, and a salary ask of around $15 million or more per year would likely result in compensation of four first-round picks for Dallas. Trading for Robertson is generally considered a more probable outcome than an offer sheet.
Robertson’s Performance and Contract Status
Robertson, at 26 years old, is set to become a restricted free agent on July 1. He is coming off a four-year contract with a cap hit of $7.75 million. Last season, he led Dallas in scoring, recording 45 goals and 96 points in 82 games. He also contributed five goals and eight points in six postseason games before the Stars were eliminated in the first round.
Robertson has consistently delivered high-end offensive production, with 45 goals and 51 assists in 82 games last season. He has achieved at least 80 points in four consecutive campaigns, including a 46-goal, 109-point season in 2022-23. Drafted 39th overall by the Stars in 2017, Robertson has accumulated 213 goals and 490 points over 456 career games.
The Stars’ general manager, Jim Nill, has stated that extending Robertson’s contract is a priority. However, the team’s salary cap situation presents a challenge. The Stars reportedly have a limited amount of cap space available, which is not enough to cover a potential qualifying offer for Robertson. This financial constraint has led Nill to consider trade offers for Robertson’s services.
The Stars had hoped to sign Robertson for a salary similar to Rantanen’s $12 million per season. However, reports indicate a difference of approximately $2 million per season in their discussions. This gap, combined with the extent of the negotiations with Seattle, suggests that a trade may be the most likely resolution for Robertson’s future.
A contract at $15 million annually would have made Robertson one of the highest-paid players in the NHL for the upcoming season. With the Seattle offer rejected, Dallas is now expected to intensify trade talks with other interested teams.
Pierre LeBrun noted that the Stars and Robertson’s camp worked on a new deal last week but could not agree on terms, with Robertson’s contract ask described as “eye-opening.”
LeBrun also mentioned that it was unlikely Robertson would sign a long-term deal with Ottawa, especially after the team traded captain Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers. Ottawa recently acquired William Eklund, Kasper Halttunen, and Brandon Svoboda from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for the No. 9 pick in Friday’s NHL Draft.
The Stars are continuing to engage in dialogue with Robertson’s representatives, but finding common ground on financial terms remains a hurdle, particularly given the market shift and Robertson’s performance.
Source: tsn.ca
