The Dallas Stars’ Stanley Cup aspirations took a significant hit with their Western Conference Final exit at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers. After a season where they went all-in, notably acquiring Mikko Rantanen at the 2025 NHL trade deadline, the sting of falling short is palpable. Now, as the offseason looms, the whispers of significant changes are growing louder, and one name surprisingly at the center of these discussions is star winger Jason Robertson.
NHL insider Jeff Marek of the Daily Faceoff recently ignited the speculation, questioning whether the Stars would seriously consider moving Robertson and his $7.75 million AAV. The rationale? To recoup valuable draft capital and, crucially, free up significant salary-cap space. Marek suggests this could be a strategic move for Dallas to become serious players in the “big-game hunting” market this summer, perhaps even making a run at Mitch Marner if the Toronto Maple Leafs‘ star hits unrestricted free agency on July 1st.
Shifting Roles and Cap Implications: Why a Robertson Trade Isn’t Far-Fetched
One of the underlying factors possibly fueling these Jason Robertson rumors is the subtle but significant shift in his deployment since the arrival of Rantanen. While a potent offensive force, Robertson’s dynamic with the newly acquired superstar might have altered the Stars’ long-term offensive structure, leading management to explore if his considerable value could be better leveraged elsewhere.
It’s a bold thought. Robertson, at just 25, is a proven elite scorer in this league. However, the modern NHL is a hard-cap world, and difficult decisions are the norm for contending teams. Dallas, with significant money already committed to its core, might see an opportunity to re-allocate resources more broadly.
My Take: A Calculated Gamble for Dallas, A Golden Opportunity for Others
From where I sit, the idea of trading Jason Robertson isn’t just smoke; there’s a logical, albeit risky, underpinning to it. Robertson currently lacks any form of no-trade protection, granting Stars GM Jim Nill maximum flexibility in exploring the market. This is a crucial detail. If Dallas is truly aiming to make a splash for a player like Marner, or perhaps address other areas of the roster with more depth, moving Robertson’s contract is one of the few internal levers they can pull to create that kind of cap space.
The fact that Robertson is due for a new contract next summer (UFA status looms after the 2025-26 season) adds another layer. Interested teams, particularly those not in an immediate “all-in” window like the Ottawa Senators or Anaheim Ducks, might strongly prefer a sign-and-trade scenario. This would allow them to acquire Robertson not as a potential one-year rental, but as a long-term cornerstone.
For Ottawa, a team brimming with young talent but needing more proven, high-end scoring to complement their core of Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stützle, and Jake Sanderson, Robertson would be a transformative acquisition. They have the prospect pool and potentially the cap space to make a compelling offer and then sign him to an extension. He’d instantly become their most dynamic offensive threat.
Anaheim, in a rebuild with talents like Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish, and Cutter Gauthier, could see Robertson as the elite winger to accelerate their return to contention. The Ducks possess a treasure trove of draft picks and prospects that would undoubtedly entice the Stars if they are indeed looking to restock the cupboards. A sign-and-trade makes even more sense for Anaheim, ensuring their prized acquisition becomes a fixture in Southern California for years to come.
The Stars would be looking for a package that likely includes a high first-round pick, a top-tier prospect, and perhaps a young roster player who can contribute immediately on a more cost-controlled contract. It’s a high price, but for a player of Robertson’s caliber and age, it’s justifiable. The “Jason Robertson rumors” mill is just starting to churn, and this will be one of the most fascinating storylines to follow this NHL offseason.
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