Jason Robertson’s Journey to Redemption

FRISCO — After an offseason to reflect, Stars forward Jason Robertson was quite transparent at the start of training camp about just how difficult last season was for him.

Those that followed along closely with the slow start to his season after offseason foot surgery could see it. But Robertson strove to put on a brave face and correct his early struggles. He did, becoming one of the league’s top scorers in the second half of the season.

But the Stars’ leading goal scorer faced adversity in his 2024-25 season unlike any he had dealt with before.

“Some people, when they don’t play, they feel lost and dark,” Robertson said last week. “I was kind of the opposite. I was playing, and I was feeling kind of lost. Looking back now, maybe I pushed myself too hard to come back too soon. Nothing I can do about that now. It’s a good lesson to learn.”

Overcoming Adversity

Robertson still finished with 80 points (35 goals and 45 assists) in 82 games but scored just nine goals before Jan. 1. He also suffered a second injury, to his knee, in the 82nd game of the regular season, which sidelined him for the start of the playoffs. He saw his role shift after the Stars traded for Mikko Rantanen, another elite scorer. He also continued to deal with the effects of his foot surgery, saying even today, over a year later, it still feels stiff at times.

“It was new for me playing through something, pushing myself to play through something,” Robertson said. “I learned a lot. Here’s to hoping I never have to do that again.”

A New Beginning

Entering 2025-26, Robertson has a renewed sense of hope for the level his game can reach. Healthy with a new coaching staff, he believes he can get back to that 100-point potential he achieved three seasons ago.

He also has plenty to play for.

Robertson is among the players in contention for a spot on the Team USA Olympic roster that will play in the Winter Games in Milan in February. He didn’t make the 4 Nations roster after his slow start to the season but is hopeful after a better start, his spot could be secured.

Contract and Future

He’s also in a contract year, set to become a restricted free agent next offseason. Many rumors began to rise this offseason that the Stars could trade him if Dallas cannot afford his wishes for a new contract. Currently making $7.75 million annually on a four-year bridge deal, he’s set for a big raise. But the Stars still have team control for another year and can sign him to a one-year deal with a $9.3 million qualifying offer. He won’t be an unrestricted free agent until the summer of 2027.

Dallas hopes to sign him to a longer-term extension before that. Stars GM Jim Nill said last week that negotiations are at a standstill. Robertson said he’s not too concerned about them and focusing on what he can accomplish before his contract expires.

“I think what’s important this year for us as a team is see what we can do and then we have another year left,” Robertson said. “The window’s open. We’re trying to win this year.”

Expectations and Performance

Nill and the Stars coaching staff see the potential as well. With all Robertson has to play for — and with his health in a good place — they’re expecting his best.

“He can now come in clear-minded and say, ‘Oh, I’m going to have my best year,’ and that’s what I’m looking forward to as general manager,” Nill said. “We’re getting the best version of Jason Robertson.”

Tuesday’s preseason win over the Minnesota Wild was an early glimpse of that. Robertson finished with a goal, an assist and four shots on goal. After missing a breakaway chance, he scored just moments later, showing his persistence in a net-front battle.

Conclusion

Whether Robertson’s long-term future is in Dallas or not, he’s entering this season in a far better place than where he was a year ago.

Having their top goal scorer at his best could be the difference for the Stars.

“If I do play the way I normally play, can play, I actually think I can play better this year,” Robertson said. “Everything’s going forward. Everything’s going up.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What were some of the challenges Jason Robertson faced in the 2024-25 season?

A: Jason Robertson faced several challenges in the 2024-25 season, including a slow start after offseason foot surgery, a second injury to his knee, and a shift in his role after the Stars traded for Mikko Rantanen.

Q: What are Jason Robertson’s goals for the 2025-26 season?

A: Jason Robertson is hoping to get back to his 100-point potential and make the Team USA Olympic roster. He is also focused on helping his team win and proving himself in a contract year.

Q: What is the current status of Jason Robertson’s contract negotiations?

A: According to Stars GM Jim Nill, contract negotiations with Jason Robertson are currently at a standstill. However, Robertson is not too concerned about it and is focusing on the upcoming season.