Robertson and the Stars have been unable to find common ground after weeks of negotiating a new contract for the restricted free agent. The Stars have reportedly offered Robertson approximately $12 million annually, but the forward is seeking near $14 million.
The Stars have also explored trading Robertson as negotiations drag on, agreeing to a deal with Seattle, Stars GM Jim Nill confirmed. The deal reportedly would have sent Robertson to Seattle on an eight-year deal where he would’ve made $15 million annually, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league, in return for multiple first-round picks, but Robertson nixed the trade when he declined to sign a long-term deal with the Kraken.
In arbitration, Robertson and the Stars will both propose a salary, and a neutral third-party will set a binding one-year contract. Robertson is set to be an unrestricted free agent next summer, so he could fully test the free agent market — or the Stars could look to trade him if they don’t think they’ll have better luck reaching a new deal next summer.
Filing for arbitration makes it so Robertson is no longer eligible to accept an offer sheet. He and the Stars could still reach a long-term deal before the hearing, which typically takes place in late July or early August. After arbitration, Robertson and the Stars can’t agree to a multi-year extension until Jan. 1.
While many have questioned why Robertson hasn’t yet re-signed at the price Dallas is offering, the ability to make it to next offseason as a UFA comes with a coveted opportunity — trade protection. If Robertson signed an eight-year deal with Dallas this offseason, the Stars could ultimately trade the forward, as RFAs aren’t eligible for trade protection. But if Robertson signs during a UFA year, he could be locked into a contract in Dallas or wherever else he signs for nearly a decade.
Robertson’s top choice is to remain in Dallas, according to several reports. Next year, the Stars will have more money to work with as the NHL salary cap is set to go up $9.5 million, and Tyler Seguin’s contract, which pays him $9.85 million annually, will come off the books.
The question is whether the Stars will be willing to make Robertson the highest-paid player on the team or whether the forward can get a more enticing deal elsewhere as a UFA.
Robertson’s brother Nick filed for arbitration last offseason with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but ultimately reached a deal with the team before his hearing.