Stars Sign Robertson: What You Need to Know

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The Dallas Stars averted arbitration with left winger Jason Robertson. The team signed the 27-year-old to a one-year, $12 million contract. Robertson can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2027.

Over the past five-years, the Californian has emerged as one of the NHL’s elite offensive players despite a severe lack of foot speed. Robertson racked up three seasons with 40-plus goals and four with 35 goals or more. He posted four straight seasons with 80-plus points, including 109 points in 2022-23 and 96 points this season. Robertson compensates for his subpar skating through a combination of using his big frame (6-foot-3, 205 pounds), nose for the scoring areas and outstanding shot release to maximum effect.

Can Stars extend Robertson by next summer?

Robertson seems determined to test the unrestricted free agent market next summer. He’s turned down long-term extension offers from the Stars. Likewise, he’s made it difficult for the Stars to trade him as a one-year rental player. Robertson simply won’t sign until he’s either able to field multiple bids or gets blown away with a Leo Carlsson type of contract (or more).

However, it’s not a cinch that Robertson leaves Dallas after the 2026-27 season. The Stars have multiple expiring contracts next summer, most notably Tyler Seguin ($9.85 million AAV). Additionally, the cap ceiling will rise again come 2028-29.

Meanwhile, the Stars have some juggling to do before this coming campaign. With 21 projected NHL roster players signed, the team has just $460,500 of cap space under the ceiling. They will have to further pare down their payroll for 2026-27.

Essentially, the Stars have gambled that they can extend Robertson by the end of next June or trade him to a team that can. Simultaneously, Robertson bet on himself that a short-term deal right now leads to a much bigger payday on his next deal.

The deal buys time for Stars general manager Jim Nill to work out a deal with agent Andy Scott. Alternatively, the Stars may ultimately salvage what they can via trade. The clock is ticking but the immediate pressure is off.