Robertson signs one-year deal with Stars
Jason Robertson has signed a one-year, $12 million contract to remain with the Dallas Stars, an agreement that avoids arbitration. The forward, who turned 27 on Wednesday, was a restricted free agent and had filed for arbitration before the NHL’s July 5 deadline. This one-year deal allows both the team and Robertson to re-evaluate their futures, according to statements from both parties.
Stars general manager Jim Nill expressed his desire for Robertson to eventually retire with the franchise. Nill noted that discussions prior to the one-year agreement included both long-term and short-term options. Robertson is eligible to re-sign with Dallas starting January 1, otherwise, he will become an unrestricted free agent next July.
Robertson, for his part, stated he was happy to start the season in Dallas. He mentioned that the team held his rights and that he could now focus on the upcoming season. He also acknowledged that the decision was a business matter for both sides, indicating that neither he nor the team fully knows the other’s future plans.
Navigating salary cap and future commitments
The one-year contract is seen as a strategic move that provides the Stars with additional time, particularly given their current salary-cap situation. After signing Robertson, Dallas is reportedly slightly over the salary-cap limit. A long-term commitment at this stage would have likely resulted in a higher cap hit, necessitating cuts elsewhere on the roster.
Nill now has several options moving forward. He can continue negotiations with Robertson’s representatives for a longer extension, which Robertson can sign beginning January 1. Alternatively, Nill could explore trading Robertson during the season to acquire assets that would help the Stars contend for the Stanley Cup.
The process of securing a deal for Robertson has been described as contentious. The Stars had previously attempted to trade Robertson to the Seattle Kraken. This proposed deal would have sent Robertson to Seattle in exchange for the seventh overall pick in the NHL Draft. However, Robertson reportedly declined to agree to a long-term deal with the Kraken, which was reported to be worth $120 million over eight years, or $15 million annually.
Robertson’s performance and market value
Robertson had a strong performance last season, leading the team with 96 points, comprising 45 goals and 51 assists. This marked his third season with 40 or more goals. He completed a previous four-year, $31 million deal that he signed in 2022. His 45 goals last season tied him for fourth among NHL skaters in 2025-26, alongside teammate Wyatt Johnston, Kirill Kaprizov, and Macklin Celebrini.
The value of young stars like Robertson is rapidly increasing due to the rising NHL salary cap. This dynamic, coupled with the potential for offer sheets, has complicated contract negotiations. For instance, Leo Carlsson’s record-setting $18 million-per-season deal with the Anaheim Ducks highlights the evolving market. Robertson could become the NHL’s top unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2027, and a bidding war could make him one of the highest-paid players in league history.
Despite the challenges, the Stars were able to reach an agreement, albeit a short-term one. With the salary cap projected to increase by an additional $9.5 million for the 2027-28 season, Dallas anticipates having more cap flexibility to accommodate a long-term deal for Robertson in a year’s time.
Robertson has accumulated 490 points (213 goals and 277 assists) in 456 career regular-season games with the Stars. He has averaged 91 points over the past four regular seasons, appearing in all 82 games in each of those seasons. In the last playoffs, he recorded five goals and eight points in six games as the Stars were defeated by the Minnesota Wild in the first round.
Read Also
Source: sportsnet.ca
Ethan Brule is a Senior Hockey Writer at CasinoNews. He covered the NHL for a national Canadian outlet. He focuses on the NHL, the Maple Leafs and Team Canada and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Media from Toronto Metropolitan University. Now based in Toronto, he plays beer-league hockey and follows the junior ranks. “Hockey in Canada is never only about the score.”
