NHL Rumors: Stars Reveal Priority #1 This Summer

The Dallas Stars are ready to admit it, finally. 

Jason Robertson is priority number one this offseason, and GM Jim Nill made that crystal clear. With speculation building around his future, Dallas has now publicly committed to locking up one of the NHL’s most underrated scorers this summer.

Stars prioritize Jason Robertson extension this summer

Nill didn’t leave much room for interpretation when discussing Robertson’s future. “He’s a big part of our team… one of the leading scorers in the league… a priority for us is to get him signed this summer,” he said. 

Robertson is set to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1.

Hey Mr. Nill, just circling back on that blank check for Jason Robertson.

Sincerely,
Adminpic.twitter.com/nZkySEI400

— Clean Sheet of Ice (@CleanSheetofIce) March 13, 2026

The 27-year-old is in the midst of another dominant season, leading the Stars with 81 points while sitting tied in goals with 37. 

He’s firmly in his prime, and internally, Dallas rightfully views him as a cornerstone piece alongside their core. Contract talks actually began last summer, but both sides agreed to pause discussions and revisit things after the season.

Over his seven-year NHL career, Robertson has recorded a very impressive 205 goals and 475 total points over just 442 games played.

He was a second-round pick (39th overall) by the Stars in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.

Contract pressure building for Dallas Stars

Robertson is just one year away from unrestricted free agency, and that's pretty scary for Dallas. If the Stars don’t get a deal done this summer, they open the door to arbitration complications or even the threat of an offer sheet from another team.

JASON ROBERTSON COMPLETES THE STARS COMEBACK IN OVERTIME 😱🚨 pic.twitter.com/nHjMkJwAh1

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) March 1, 2026

Robertson is currently earning $7.75 million annually, but his next deal is expected to land in the $10 to $11 million range. 

Dallas is projected to have around $14.9 million in cap space, but they also need to account for other key players like Mavrik Bourque and captain Jamie Benn.

This isn’t a situation the Stars want dragging into next season. With Robertson producing at an elite level and entering the prime years of his career, the Stars know they need to get him signed long-term and, the sooner, the better.

Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images