Chicago Blackhawks eyeing Dallas Stars' forward as trade target

The Chicago Blackhawks have been linked to Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson, who could be a trade target next summer, according to reports.

Chicago Sun-Times' Ben Pope noted that Robertson, 26, could be a logical target for the Hawks, along with St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas and Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies.

"Looking specifically at high-end forwards who could theoretically be moved, three stand out as logical Hawks targets: Blues center Robert Thomas, Stars winger Jason Robertson, and Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies," Pope wrote.

The cited journalist considers that Robertson would not only bolster Chicago's top six but would automatically become one of their best forwards.

"Thomas and Robertson, in particular, wouldn't just bolster the top six; they would instantly become the Hawks' second-best forward, behind only Connor Bedard. Knies has the potential to develop into that, too," Pope said.

Stars GM Jim Nill has made clear re-signing Robertson is 'a priority' this summer

That said, it will not be easy for Chicago to woo Robertson, considering that Stars general manager Jim Nill, in his own words, will do everything possible to extend his contract ahead of the offseason.

Speaking on NHL Network's "NHL First Shift" with EJ Hradek, Nill confirmed that his goal is to keep Robertson for the long term. "We started discussions with Jason last summer, so we've kept in touch, and in the end, we decided, let's table this," he said.

"Let's go have a good year, let's have a good playoff, and we'll make this work. He's a big part of our team. He's one of the leading scorers in the league, and he's really in the prime of his career. He's a big part of our team. So a priority for us is to get him signed this summer and move on."

This season, Robertson has 37 goals and 44 assists for 81 points in 68 games. Elite numbers, which Dallas evidently will not want to lose.

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