Jason Robertson remains an unsigned restricted free agent as the Dallas Stars navigate the early days of the NHL free agency period. General manager Jim Nill confirmed Wednesday that the organization is still pursuing a long-term contract with the forward, even though a sign-and-trade arrangement with the Seattle Kraken had previously been reported.
Nill stated that he has maintained communication with Robertson’s representatives since free agency opened. He emphasized that the current period is standard for contract negotiations, noting that the NHL season does not begin until September. When asked for further details on the status of the talks, Nill provided no new information beyond confirming that discussions are ongoing.
Prior to the draft, Nill acknowledged that the Stars had agreed to a sign-and-trade deal that would send Robertson to Seattle in exchange for the seventh overall pick. While Robertson could not block the trade, reports indicated he declined to agree to an eight-year, $120 million contract with the Kraken. The team has since made a qualifying offer to Robertson, preserving their right to match any offers from other teams or receive draft compensation if the offer is not matched.
The Stars could also pursue salary arbitration to determine Robertson’s salary for the 2026-27 season, with the filing deadline set for Saturday. Nill declined to speculate on whether arbitration would occur, stating he does not know the forward’s intentions. If arbitration is not used, Robertson would become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Robertson, who turns 27 on July 22, is entering free agency after completing a four-year, $31 million contract signed in 2022. He was originally selected 39th overall by Dallas in the 2017 NHL Draft. Since his debut in February 2020, he has recorded 490 points, including 213 goals and 277 assists, across 456 regular-season games.
The forward recently completed a four-year span in which he played in all 328 regular-season games, tallying 365 points. Last season, he led the team with 96 points and 45 goals, marking his third 40-goal campaign. His previous entry into restricted free agency followed a 41-goal season, after which he missed most of training camp before signing a new deal that led to a 109-point season in 2022-23.
