Jason Robertson’s Future with the Dallas Stars
Ahead of this past season, trading Jason Robertson did not seem like a likely move.
The 25-year-old left winger in the prime of his career has been the Dallas Stars’ best goal scorer over the last few years.
As a home-grown talent who recorded over 100 points just two seasons ago, trading Robertson away would not have been much more popular than the decision Nico Harrison made to trade Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic.
But a lot has changed for the Stars over the last few months, and multiple reports Monday suggested Robertson’s name could be on the trade block this offseason.
After losing in three consecutive Western Conference finals — and bringing in another superstar scorer in Mikko Rantanen — the Stars have different needs and may need to consider the return they could get for a player like Robertson.
Introduction to Jason Robertson
Robertson has been a key part of the Stars’ successes over the last five years now.
Dallas drafted Arcadia, Calif., native in the second round of the 2017 draft, and he’s reached multiple milestones since.
He finished as the runner-up to Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov for the 2021 Calder Trophy. He also passed Dino Ciccarelli for second-most points in a season in Dallas/Minnesota North Stars history when he recorded 109 points in the 2022-23 season. He was named to the NHL’s First All-Star Team that same season.
Why the Stars Shouldn’t Trade Jason Robertson
He’s played on Dallas’ top line and in all 82 regular-season games for the last three seasons. And even after undergoing offseason foot surgery and missing the first round of the postseason, Robertson still led the Stars with 35 goals in the regular season and scored four goals in the last three games of the playoffs.
At just 25 years old, Robertson likely hasn’t reached his full potential. His coaches and teammates said his injuries and the adversity he faced this year helped him mature. He’s also developed his defensive game, especially around playoff time.
Since goals have been hard to come by for Dallas in its last two postseason runs, trading one of their best goal scorers could be a risky move.
Robertson is also on the last year of his current four-year deal worth $7.75 million annually. For a player who has produced at least 80 points in each of the first three seasons of that deal, he comes at a great value, and the Stars may not be able to get that same production for cheaper.
Why the Stars Should Trade Jason Robertson
Robertson’s role changed when the Stars brought in Mikko Rantanen.
Dallas traded for a superstar ahead of the trade deadline, signing him to an eight-year deal worth $12 million annually and making him the star forward on the roster.
After the move, Rantanen joined Robertson and Roope Hintz on the top line, but Robertson was later demoted to as deep as the fourth line when Mikael Granlund replaced him at left wing. Especially after his leg injury in Game 82, Robertson couldn’t keep up with the speed Rantanen and Hintz bring.
Dallas certainly could benefit from multiple superstar scorers, but with Rantanen taking over as the face of the team, it wouldn’t be surprising if Robertson tested the waters in free agency over the next few seasons. He is set to be an arbitration-eligible restricted free agent next offseason and an unrestricted free agent the offseason after that.
Robertson will likely expect a significant raise, closer to what other top-line forwards like Hintz ($8.45 million) and Rantanen ($12 million) make. If the Stars don’t think they can — or aren’t willing to — afford him at that price, they may be better off testing the trade market to recoup some of the three first-round draft picks they sent away ahead of the trade deadline this year. They could also use the cap space with just $5 million to sign six players this offseason.
Contractual Issues and Limited Versatility
In addition to contractual issues, Robertson’s game isn’t as layered as other forwards like Hintz or Wyatt Johnston. He’s known as a pure goal scorer — on the power play and in 5-on-5 — but doesn’t have as much versatility outside of that.
Robertson also has not produced at the same rate in his four postseason runs as he has in the regular season. He’s averaging .79 points per game in the playoffs compared to over a point per game in the regular season. The Stars need players whose numbers improve in the postseason, not the other way around.
The Stars also still need to add to their blue line — and have spent years chasing a big-name, right-shot defenseman. The only way to do so may be by sacrificing a player they never thought they would.
Conclusion
The decision to trade Jason Robertson is a complex one, with valid arguments on both sides. While he has been a key part of the Stars’ successes, his role has changed with the arrival of Mikko Rantanen, and contractual issues may make it difficult for the team to retain him. Ultimately, the Stars must weigh the benefits of keeping Robertson against the potential returns they could get by trading him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are the Stars considering trading Jason Robertson?
The Stars are considering trading Robertson due to contractual issues and the arrival of Mikko Rantanen, which has changed Robertson’s role on the team.
Q: What are the arguments against trading Jason Robertson?
The arguments against trading Robertson include his value to the team as a goal scorer, his potential for growth, and the risk of losing a key player.
Q: What are the arguments for trading Jason Robertson?
The arguments for trading Robertson include contractual issues, limited versatility, and the potential to recoup draft picks and cap space.
Q: What is Jason Robertson’s current contract situation?
Robertson is on the last year of his current four-year deal worth $7.75 million annually and is set to be an arbitration-eligible restricted free agent next offseason and an unrestricted free agent the offseason after that.
