Trade speculation continues to surround Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson, but the most likely outcome remains a new contract with the organization. Despite weeks of rumors and interest from several teams, NHL insider Emily Kaplan believes Robertson still sees Dallas as his preferred destination.
Speaking on The Puck Pedia Hockey Show, Kaplan said Robertson has remained committed to staying with the Stars throughout negotiations.
“Jason Robertson wants to stay in Dallas. That’s his number one destination where he’d like to play,” Kaplan said.
MORE: Gavin McKenna’s confidence will be ‘unbelievable’ for Maple Leafs
She also explained why Robertson changed agents during the contract process.
“Jason Robertson actually moved away from Pat Brisson as his representative and went to Andy Scott,” Kaplan said. “What’s interesting about Andy Scott is he has the most experience getting big contracts out of Jim Nill. You see where Jason Robertson’s motivations were when he made that change. They weren’t making much progress. He was hoping Andy Scott would be able to get him a bigger contract.”
Kaplan added that negotiations remain difficult because Dallas has established a financial limit.
“The truth is Andy’s finding that Jim Nill has a number he doesn’t want to get past,” Kaplan said.
Kaplan believes the complexity of the negotiations should not be mistaken for an inevitable trade.
“I think Jason has shown he’s not ready to just commit to something on the spot,” Kaplan said. “I feel like the likeliest outcome is to see him in Dallas because this is such a big case.”
Dallas remains motivated to complete a long-term deal
General manager Jim Nill has also shared that position while addressing Robertson’s future.
“Our preference is to re-sign Jason Robertson,” Nill said. “Can we make it work? That’s what we’ve gotta figure out. But that’s our preference. It’s been our preference from Day 1.”
Nill added, “He’s a great player, he’s a good person. We drafted him, we developed him. Our preference is to sign him, of course.”
He acknowledged both sides are working through a significant financial gap.
“We’ve gotta run a business and put a team together,” Nill said. “Can we find that common ground, that’s what we have to work on.”
Robertson is coming off another elite season, scoring 45 goals and 96 points while earning First All-Star Team honors. Players with that production rarely become available without extraordinary circumstances.
MORE: Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck ‘100%’ willing to join Sabres
From an NHL perspective, Dallas has every reason to remain patient. Franchise wingers entering their prime are difficult to replace, especially for a team with Stanley Cup aspirations. Until negotiations completely collapse, the Stars are better served finding common ground than forcing a blockbuster trade that could weaken one of the league’s deepest rosters.
