Penguins Believe Jason Robertson Would Welcome A Trade To Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh believes it would be different.
Per Josh Yohe of The Athletic, there is a growing belief within the Penguins organization that Robertson would be happy to come to Pittsburgh, a critical distinction in a saga that has been defined by the star winger's willingness to say no.
"Robertson was not willing to play in Seattle, but the Penguins believe the winger would be willing to play in Pittsburgh," Yohe reported.
Why Pittsburgh Feels Good About It
The Penguins have quietly built their case.
Kyle Dubas acquired Robertson's younger brother Nick from the Toronto Maple Leafs earlier this offseason, putting a familiar face in the locker room.
Pittsburgh also has more than $16.9 million in current cap space and significant long-term flexibility, giving Dubas the resources to both absorb a blockbuster and pay Robertson what he wants.
Josh Yohe: The Penguins are still very much open to acquiring Jason Robertson; The Penguins...believe there is a real chance Robertson would agree to play in Pittsburgh - The Athletic (7/8)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 13, 2026
Dubas has long coveted him.
It was reported back in January that the Penguins GM "absolutely loves" Robertson, and Elliotte Friedman reported that Dubas and his Dallas counterpart discussed a trade the weekend of June 28.
"If the Stars come calling, Dubas won't hesitate to make a substantial offer for a player he's long coveted," Yohe wrote.
The Arbitration Deadline
Robertson filed for arbitration, making him ineligible for an offer sheet, which means rival teams can only acquire him through a trade.
His July 25 arbitration hearing now looms as a potential deadline that could force Dallas to act.
REPORT: NHL Network insider David Pagnotta still believes the Penguins are squarely in the mix for Stars star forward Jason Robertson.
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) June 29, 2026
Robertson is demanding $14 million a year.
Pagnotta says Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust would likely be part of the deal going back.
The Stars… pic.twitter.com/iEVaH8G8rV
The two sides remain at a standoff, with the Stars reportedly willing to go as high as $12.5 million annually while Robertson holds out for $14 million, a number Pittsburgh would likely be willing to pay.
Yohe reported earlier this month that the Penguins have made what they believe to be a fair offer, and that Dallas is holding up proceedings because the Stars would prefer to keep him.
The Player
Robertson is coming off a 45-goal, 96-point campaign in 82 games, including 15 power-play goals and nine game-winners, extending his streak to four consecutive 80-point seasons.
Slotting him alongside Sidney Crosby would give Pittsburgh a terrifying top line capable of competing with anyone in the Eastern Conference, and Robertson could compete for Cups now before becoming the face of the franchise later.
Nothing is done, and Dallas remains in control.
But the Penguins have the cap space, the motivation, the family connection, and now the belief that the player himself is on board.
