Jason Robertson Signs $12M Deal, Eyes Stanley Cup with Dallas Stars

Jason Robertson is thrilled to continue his journey with the Dallas Stars for another season after finalizing a one-year, $12 million contract. The deal, which came just weeks after trade discussions involving him, has allowed the 27-year-old forward to shift his focus entirely to the upcoming season. “What happened from then to now is kind of doesn’t matter anymore,” Robertson stated on his birthday, emphasizing his eagerness to prepare for training camp and pursue a Stanley Cup.

Robertson has established himself as a key player for the Stars, averaging over a point per game throughout his six full NHL seasons. He led the team last season with 96 points, including 45 goals and 51 assists, and contributed five goals along with three assists in six playoff appearances. Having recently wrapped up a four-year, $31 million contract, he is now a restricted free agent with the potential to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

During a Zoom call after skating in Michigan, Robertson reflected on the business side of hockey, acknowledging that both he and the team are navigating uncertain futures. “At the end of the day, it’s a business for them, for me, everything. I don’t know their future plans, they don’t know our future plans either,” he said, expressing relief that the contract was finalized without the need for arbitration.

Stars general manager Jim Nill expressed optimism about reaching a long-term extension with Robertson, noting that discussions could begin as early as January 1. “We’re happy he wants to be a Dallas Star. We want him to be a Dallas Star, and have those discussions… We want to make this work,” Nill said during a media availability. He acknowledged that various scenarios were considered during negotiations, but both sides were aligned in their desire to avoid arbitration.

Robertson, drafted 39th overall in the second round of the 2017 NHL draft, has been a consistent presence on the ice, playing in all 328 regular-season games over the past four seasons and tallying 365 points. His new $12 million salary for the 2026-27 season will match that of teammate Mikko Rantanen, who recently completed his first season of an eight-year, $96 million extension.

Interestingly, there was a sign-and-trade agreement in place during the draft that would have sent Robertson to Seattle for the seventh overall pick. However, he did not agree to a long-term deal with the Kraken, which reportedly included a lucrative offer of $120 million over eight years. With veteran Tyler Seguin entering the final season of his contract and the NHL salary cap expected to rise, the Stars are optimistic about their ability to extend Robertson in the near future. “I’m happy to be playing with them starting in September and see where it goes,” Robertson concluded, looking ahead to the new season.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.