Overview
- The Stars, knocked out by Minnesota on Thursday, now must decide how to handle Jason Robertson as his four-year, $31 million deal expires.
- Dallas is projected to have about $11 million in cap space, while multiple outlets cite insiders who expect Robertson’s next contract to be near or above $12 million per year.
- As a restricted free agent, Robertson can receive a qualifying offer that lets Dallas match any outside bids, yet a one-year acceptance could position him for unrestricted free agency the following summer.
- Analysts are floating two main paths, either a long-term extension that would require clearing salary or a trade this summer to avoid losing control if he opts for a short deal.
- Robertson’s leverage is strong after a 45-goal, 96-point season and a team-leading five goals and eight points in the series, and his deal could set a benchmark for other top RFAs such as Connor Bedard and Leo Carlsson.