Robertson rejects Kraken offer
Jason Robertson, a winger for the Dallas Stars, has reportedly declined a contract offer from the Seattle Kraken. According to multiple sources, the Kraken had been granted permission by Dallas to discuss terms with Robertson. The offer was for approximately $15 million per year over an eight-year period, but Robertson chose not to accept it.
Neither the Stars nor the Kraken provided comments on the matter, nor did Robertson’s representative, Andy Scott. It is understood that the two teams had worked out some kind of trade before the permission was granted. This proposed trade reportedly included Seattle’s first-round pick, which is the seventh overall selection in the upcoming draft.
Robertson, at 26 years old, is slated to become a restricted free agent on July 1. He is concluding a four-year contract valued at $31 million, which carried a cap hit of $7.75 million. The Stars and Robertson are believed to have a difference of at least $2 million per season in their contract negotiations.
The highest contract on the Stars roster belongs to Mikko Rantanen, who earns $12 million annually. The expectation was that Robertson’s new contract would be in a similar range. However, Pierre LeBrun, a hockey insider, indicated that Robertson’s contract demands were “eye-opening.”
Stars explore other options
Following Robertson’s rejection of the Kraken’s offer, the Dallas Stars are now reportedly re-engaging with other teams that had previously expressed interest in the winger. LeBrun noted that while the Stars are still in discussions to sign Robertson to a new contract, they are also exploring trade possibilities.
LeBrun mentioned that the Chicago Blackhawks are among the teams that have inquired about Robertson. Earlier in the week, he also stated that a long-term signing with Ottawa was unlikely for Robertson. Ottawa recently traded captain Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers and subsequently acquired forwards William Eklund, Kasper Halttunen, and Brandon Svoboda from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for the No. 9 pick in the upcoming NHL Draft.
Robertson led the Dallas Stars in scoring during the last season, achieving 45 goals and 96 points across 82 games. He also contributed five goals and eight points in six postseason games before the Stars were eliminated in the first round. Drafted 39th overall by the Stars in 2017, Robertson has accumulated 213 goals and 490 points over 456 career games.
The situation presents a challenge for the Stars, who are trying to find common ground with their key player. Despite ongoing talks, there is uncertainty about whether an agreement can be reached.
Potential trade scenarios
The ongoing contract stalemate between the Dallas Stars and Jason Robertson has led to increased trade rumors. Reports suggest that the Stars are open to trading Robertson, and several teams are rumored to be interested in acquiring him. The Pittsburgh Penguins have been mentioned as a potential trade partner, despite being in a period of transition.
The Penguins, under new ownership and with General Manager Kyle Dubas, are looking to take significant steps towards contention while also aiming to get younger. Dubas has indicated that the team would target impact players in their mid-to-late 20s, a description that fits Robertson.
A potential trade package for Robertson to the Penguins could involve sending Bryan Rust (with 40 percent of his salary retained), Rickard Rakell, Will Horcoff, Quinn Beauchesne, a 2026 first-round pick, a 2026 second-round pick, and a conditional 2027 first-round pick to the Stars. This proposed deal aims to provide the Stars with immediate offensive contributions and draft capital.
For the Stars, acquiring players like Rust and Rakell, who are consistent goal scorers, could help distribute scoring throughout the lineup. Rust and Rakell are currently earning $5.1 million and $5 million respectively for two more years. If the Penguins retain salary on one of them, the combined cost for the Stars could be around $8 million, which is less than Robertson’s alleged asking price. This would free up cap space for Dallas to further build their roster.
The two first-round picks in such a deal could also allow the Stars to acquire additional talent. The Penguins, meanwhile, would gain a player who could be paired with Sidney Crosby. The Penguins also have other young wingers and prospects who could fill out their top-six forward group. The Stars are in a win-now mode, and a package focused on immediate help could be more appealing than one centered on future prospects.
The Dallas Stars continue discussions with Jason Robertson and explore trade options with other interested teams.
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Source: sportsnet.ca
