(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez,File)
The Dallas Stars have avoided salary arbitration with leading scorer Jason Robertson, agreeing to a one-year, $12 million contract that keeps one of the NHL’s premier offensive talents in Dallas for the 2026-27 season.
The deal ensures Robertson remains with the Stars for at least one more year while postponing what could become one of the biggest contract negotiations in the NHL next offseason.
Robertson Remains Offensive Centerpiece
Robertson enters the season after another outstanding campaign in which he led the Stars with 96 points and tied for the team lead with 45 goals.
The 27-year-old has established himself as one of the league’s elite forwards, recording three 40-goal seasons and two campaigns with more than 90 points since making his NHL debut.
“Jason has been a cornerstone of our franchise since he was drafted in 2017,” general manager Jim Nill said. “A dynamic and skilled player, he has been one of the league’s top offensive threats since making his NHL debut.”
Robertson also led Dallas with five goals during last season’s playoffs despite the Stars’ first-round elimination.
One-Year Deal Sets Up Major Decision
While the agreement resolves Robertson’s immediate contract situation, it also positions him to become one of the NHL’s most coveted free agents next summer if the two sides cannot reach a long-term extension.
This will be the final season Dallas controls Robertson’s rights before he becomes eligible to test unrestricted free agency in an offseason that could feature several superstar players.
The NHL’s rapidly increasing salary cap could make that free-agent class especially lucrative, giving Robertson significant leverage if extension talks continue beyond this season.
Salary Cap Challenges Remain
Robertson’s new contract also creates additional salary cap pressure for Dallas.
The Stars were already operating with limited financial flexibility, and the $12 million cap hit will likely push the club over the salary cap entering the offseason. As a result, Dallas will likely need to make at least one roster move before opening night to become cap compliant.
Robertson now joins Mikko Rantanen and Thomas Harley as the third Stars player earning at least $10 million annually, underscoring both the team’s star power and its ongoing salary cap challenges.
For now, Dallas retains one of its franchise cornerstones as it looks to rebound from last season’s first-round playoff exit and return to Stanley Cup contention.
