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2 hours ago
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The Jason Robertson situation in Dallas is a total mess right now.
Before the draft, the Stars actually worked out a massive sign-and-trade with the Seattle Kraken. Seattle was going to give up their No. 7 overall pick, and they offered Robertson a mind-blowing $120 million over eight years, which is a $15 million cap hit. But Robertson completely refused the deal because he just didn't want to play in Seattle.
Because of that, he’s still sitting out there as an unsigned restricted free agent. GM Jim Nill is trying to play it cool publicly, telling reporters on July 1 that it’s "just part of contract negotiations" and that they still want him back.
The problem is entirely about the money. Robertson just finished his four-year, $31 million bridge deal and wants a massive raise to somewhere between $14 million and $15 million a year. Dallas is offering closer to $12 million, which would match Mikko Rantanen as the highest-paid guy on their roster. They can't afford to pay him more than that because they already have huge money tied up in young stars like Wyatt Johnston and Thomas Harley.
Now, that standoff has officially reached its first breaking point. Stars reporter Lia Assimakopoulos noted that Robertson faced a strict 4 p.m. CT deadline on Sunday to file for salary arbitration.
She added, "If that's where this is headed, Robertson and the Stars could end up reaching a one-year deal that walks him straight into unrestricted free agency next summer."
Jason Robertson has until 4 p.m. CT today to file for arbitration.
If that’s where this is headed, Robertson and the Stars could end up reaching a one-year deal that walks him straight into unrestricted free agency next summer.
Robertson did exactly that, beating the clock to file for arbitration right before the deadline. That matches up perfectly with what Elliotte Friedman from Sportsnet was saying would probably happen before free agency even started.
If they actually go through with an arbitration hearing, it gives Dallas a single year of knowing exactly what they’re paying him, and it gives Robertson some trade protection he wouldn't usually have. But honestly, it doesn't fix a single thing long-term. It just kicks the can down the road for another year.
And on the ice, you can't argue with what this guy deserves. He just put up a career-high 96 points last year with 45 goals and 51 assists. That’s his third 40-goal season in just four years as a full-time NHL player.
That insane production is exactly why letting this drag out into an ugly court hearing, instead of just locking him up long-term, is a huge risk. It’s going to completely sour a fan base that has watched him turn into one of the best wingers in hockey.
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