One of the biggest questions still hanging over the Dallas Stars organization is whether or not star forward Jason Robertson will sign a new contract in 2027 or ply his trade for another club. No one really wants to talk about last summer, including the botched trade negotiations between Dallas and Seattle, plus management and the player being unable to agree on a long-term deal. Instead, the two sides agreed to a one-year deal and will reconvene at a later time to see if Robertson has a number in mind that will keep him in green and black for the next decade.
Jason Robertson's patience could lead to a massive payday
The NHL salary cap continues to go up, with some insiders projecting the cap to reach $150 million in only a matter of years. Right now, with Robertson making $12 million, his salary only accounts for 11.5% of the Stars' payroll, the same figure as Mikko Rantanen and slightly higher than Thomas Harley, who sits at 10.2%.
In 2026, players across the league began to cash in on ridiculous salaries, including Anaheim Ducks’ Leo Carlsson, who, at just 21, is the highest-paid forward in the NHL at $18 million. Interestingly, after just four seasons, the Swedish forward hasn’t even hit 30 goals yet, capping out at 29 last year, following a 20-goal performance in 2024-25. In Dallas, Robertson has three, yes, three, 40-goal seasons. So if the going rate for a two-time 20-goal scorer is $18 million, where does the Stars’ forward salary start?
Regarding the game’s highest-paid player, Cale Makar has a resume much richer in awards, points, and a Stanley Cup, so it’s almost justified that the Colorado Avalanche paid him $20.4 million annually. Yet, his longtime teammate and reigning Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy winner, Nathan MacKinnon, is just on the books for $12.6 million. Ultimately, the Avalanche had managed to lock down two of the game’s best at a $33 million annual salary. Last year, the club won the Presidents’ Trophy and is only four seasons removed from winning the Stanley Cup.
Dallas Stars can pay Robertson and still compete for the Stanley Cup
Even though Connor McDavid ($12.5 million), Leon Draisaitl ($14 million), and Auston Matthews ($13.2 million) are making modest salaries compared to deals signed this past summer, all three could either cash in on their next deals or continue around their current salaries to help their teams maintain a competitive supporting cast. For the entirety of his career, future Hall of Famer Sidney Crosby has stayed at $8.7 million annually, allowing his general managers to build a Stanley Cup contender around him.
Dallas has been a top team in the Western Conference for almost the entirety of Robertson’s career. He could request and receive a $15 million salary, which is not an overpay by any means, but could be considered an underpay. However, if Robertson’s career goal is to bring the Stanley Cup back to Dallas, he can’t agree to a $20 - 25 million deal and hope his teammates are good enough to get the Stars back into the Final on modest salaries.
Right now, there are plenty of big names on the trade market, including Dylan Larkin and Nikita Kucherov. The odds of Dallas acquiring either, let alone both, are astronomical. But someday soon, Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin will hang up their skates, with both players set to become unrestricted free agents next season. Their eventual departures could give general manager Jim Nill opportunities to bring in more talent and show Robertson that the organization remains committed to winning. Whether that means swinging a blockbuster deal for someone like Larkin, pursuing a young defenseman like Simon Edvinsson, or adding a veteran like Ryan O'Reilly, Dallas has options to explore.
Do the Stars need another older player on the back end of his career? No. But O'Reilly is a Stanley Cup champion and former Conn Smythe Trophy winner. He'd be a great depth player to acquire for the remaining two years of his contract. The move might be considered foolish by many across the hockey world, but once again, it's a small adjustment that could help the Stars get over their Western Conference Final hump.
Overall, the NHL is a wild and crazy place right now, with salaries rising at unprecedented rates. Superstars like Robertson want to get paid what they are worth, and at the same time compete for a Stanley Cup. Dallas has a lot going for them, and a few more adjustments could show their top player they are in it for the long haul with him.
Ultimately, it's not about acquiring the biggest name available, but finding the right players to keep Dallas competitive throughout Robertson's next contract. Although Stars fans may never see Larkin or Kucherov in their lineup, there are other players with championship experience who could strengthen the roster and help the organization get over its Western Conference Final hump. More importantly, those additions could reassure Robertson that Dallas remains the right place to pursue his first Stanley Cup.
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