Stars Avoid Arbitration By Signing Jason Robertson To 1-Year Deal – Hockey Writers – Dallas Stars

The tension finally ended as Jason Robertson signed a one-year, $12 million contract to stay with the Dallas Stars on Tuesday. With this agreement, both sides avoided an arbitration hearing scheduled for Saturday.

Robertson is set to become a free agent on July 1, 2027, but is eligible to sign an extension on Jan. 1.

The 26-year-old had 45 goals and 96 points in 2025-26, with five goals and eight points in six playoff games. In his career, Robertson has 213 goals and 490 points in 456 regular season games, and 23 goals and 52 points in 62 playoff games.

One Year It Was The Only Way

Before the contract was signed, the Stars had $10.69 million in cap space remaining next season, and according to multiple reports, Robertson wanted it all and then some. It seemed that both the Stars wanted him to continue but he stood by what he thought was his right.

After rejecting an eight-year contract at $12 million per year from the Stars and refusing to sign and trade with the Seattle Kraken, Robertson filed for a hearing on July 5 that was scheduled for this coming Saturday, which I have already mentioned.

As we approached Saturday, it seemed like arbitration was the only way Robo, as he was affectionately called, would be able to stay in Dallas. While the cap may be tight this season, the Stars currently have $41.16 million in cap space next summer, making this season the only hurdle either side had to jump. Now it looks like a slam dunk that a deal will be done before the upcoming campaign ends.

Jim Nill’s Work Is Not Done

Signing Robertson was a priority over the summer, but general manager Jim Nill still has a lot of work to do. Still, you know you’re sleeping better tonight as one of the NHL’s leading goal scorers is locked up for at least one more year.

“Jason has been a cornerstone of our franchise since he was drafted in 2017,” Nill said Tuesday. “An energetic and talented player, he has been one of the league’s top threats since his NHL debut. We are excited for what this season will bring for Jason and the team as we continue our quest to bring a championship to Dallas.”

As it stands, the Stars currently have $1,360,333 in cap space and still have a hole or two they’d like to fill by the end of September. However, Nill didn’t win back-to-back GM of the Year awards for nothing. It will be tough, but the Stars should do well.

The only question left now is: how much will Robertson’s extension cost? Earlier this summer, his asking price was $14 million. However, with the new deals of Leo Carlsson and Connor Bedard, the price has definitely changed. Don’t worry, Jim, that’s a problem for another day.