Shocking Team Interested in Trading for Jason Robertson

In a stunning rumor drop, while we continue to look at some of the biggest contenders being interested in making a play for the Dallas Stars' Jason Robertson, Josh Yohe of The Athletic tells us to keep an eye on the surprising Pittsburgh Penguins.

Robertson is in the final year of a four-year, $31 million contract ($7.75M AAV) and will be an RFA this summer. He's said to be looking for a $12 million AAV on an extension. In Dallas, that's Mikko Rantanen money. Is there any chance they could accommodate another contract of that size on their forward group?

Another intriguing development this week has seen Robertson, and his brother Nick of the Toronto Maple Leafs, switch agents. No telling what that means exactly, but it's usually a sign of a desired change in direction on the way contract talks have been evolving. Both Robertson bros. will be RFAs this summer.

Penguins 'absolutely love' Jason Robertson

The Pens sit in third place in the Metropolitan Division, and, contrary to what most hockey observers figure, they have no intention of dropping out of the playoff race anytime soon. They might just be looking to buy, according to Yohe.

The Penguins absolutely love Jason Robertson.
(They) will be in a prime position behind an enticing mix of NHL veterans, draft picks and more than enough cap space to satisfy Robertson’s financial requests.
Robertson is a young star, and the Penguins badly covet one of those. They could spend whatever it takes to get him without badly disrupting their rebuild.

Indeed, GM Kyle Dubas does have some solid veterans he could dangle in front of the Stars, like Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell and Erik Karlsson.

Whether Pittsburgh's pursuit of Robertson comes now or around Draft time after the season remains to be seen. But Yohe doesn't see them trying to serve an offer sheet in the summer:

"The compensation for that approach (top draft picks) is over the top. But I’d be shocked if Dubas didn’t engage in trade discussions if Dallas decides there’s no way it can bring him back long-term."

Robertson, 26, has 27 goals in 29 assists for 56 points and 49 games thus far this season. He's had two 40-goal seasons already in his young career.