The Dallas Stars have spent the last few years establishing themselves as one of the NHL\u2019s top contenders, but a disappointing first-round exit has suddenly shifted attention to a crucial offseason.<\/p>\n
With tough salary-cap decisions ahead and trade speculation beginning to build, Jason Robertson\u2019s future is emerging as one of the biggest questions facing the organization.<\/p>\n
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Dallas Stars Face Jason Robertson Offer Sheet Threat<\/p>\n
Robertson is coming off an impressive season, finishing with 45 goals and 51 assists for 96 points while playing all 82 regular-season games. He also chipped in with eight points during Dallas\u2019s first-round playoff series against Minnesota. But with his four-year, $31 million deal set to expire, he will become a restricted free agent on July 1, putting his future firmly in the spotlight.<\/p>\n
The biggest issue for Dallas is money. Robertson\u2019s next contract is expected to land in the same neighborhood as Mikko Rantanen<\/a>\u2019s, potentially carrying a cap hit of around $12 million per season. That presents a major challenge for the Stars, who currently have only about $11 million in available cap space.<\/p>\n If the Stars cannot agree to a long-term extension, a move could become a realistic option rather than risking Robertson playing on a qualifying offer and eventually reaching unrestricted free agency a year later.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n NHL insider David Pagnotta<\/a> recently linked the New Jersey Devils<\/a> to Robertson, saying, \u201cDoes New Jersey<\/a> and new GM Sunny Mehta take a big swing for Jason Robertson this summer? The Dallas Stars continue to search for a legit right-shot defenceman. Maybe there\u2019s one to be had from the Devils in a deal?\u201d<\/p>\n As Pagnotta noted, a trade could make sense for both sides. Dallas is actively searching for a bona fide top-pairing right-shot defenseman, one of the toughest assets to find in today\u2019s NHL. Meanwhile, the Devils have plenty of depth on the right side, headlined by veteran Dougie Hamilton<\/a> and highly regarded young blueliner \u0160imon Nemec, making them a logical trade partner.<\/p>\n Robertson also looks like a natural fit in New Jersey. His combination of size, scoring touch, and ability to create offense around the net would mesh well with elite playmakers Jack Hughes<\/a> and Nico Hischier<\/a>. Pairing a proven 45-goal scorer with Hughes could give the Devils one of the NHL\u2019s most dangerous offensive combinations.<\/p>\n The financial side also works in New Jersey\u2019s favor. While Dallas is trying to navigate a cap crunch and a potential extension worth more than $12 million per season, the Devils have considerably more flexibility. With cornerstone players like Hughes and Jesper Bratt<\/a> already locked into favorable long-term contracts, New Jersey has the room to add a superstar winger in his prime without throwing off its long-term salary structure.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n