3 Dallas Stars Trade Candidates Heading Into Next Season

The Dallas Stars have had quite the interesting offseason, and heading into the 2026-27 NHL season, it would be wise to circle them as a team to watch on the trade market.

General manager Jim Nill tried hard this offseason to trade prolific scorer Jason Robertson. First it was the Seattle Kraken and Robertson nixed the deal. Then, Nill had a deal in place to move Robertson to the St. Louis Blues, and that was all for not as well, as Robertson told St. Louis he wouldn't sign a long-term contract. The Stars' GM then turned his attention to the Detroit Red Wings, but a swap for Dylan Larkin just hasn't materialized.

Nill now turns his attention to next season, as trade talks have slowed down considerably around the league. Heading into next season, here's three Stars to keep an eye on as prime trade candidates:

Jason Robertson

Yes, let's tackle the low-hanging fruit first. Robertson settled for a one-year, $12 million contract, setting himself up for being one of the best free agents next summer, while also giving Dallas a chance to continue contract extension talks throughout this season. It feels like if Robertson isn't signed by March's trade deadline, Nill and company will move him and recoup some assets. Robertson trains a lot in Michigan in the offseason, so a move with Detroit isn't out of the question, but one team to keep an eye on is the Pittsburgh Penguins, who need a scoring left-winger, and also have Jason's brother Nick on their roster now.

Thomas Harley

Harley has been involved in a ton of trade talks this summer, but there's one team in particular he's been linked to. If Harley is moved next season, it's very likely in a trade to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Zach Werenski. The deal almost transpired last month, but the Blue Jackets' management team was able to talk Werenski  into staying another season. However, if the Blue Jackets go back out to market to see where Werenski will approve a deal too, expect to see the Stars heavily involved, with a package centered around Harley.

Emil Hemming

Hemming is one of the Stars' best prospects and other team's are taking notice. The former 2024 first-round pick is a product of the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League and spent last season posting 63 points in 46 games, along with another 28 points in 21 playoff games. Hemming then joined the Texas Stars for five AHL games to end last season, however didn't register a point. Hemming's a skilled winger who projects as a second-line winger, so we'll see if Nill flips him to find some proven talent up front.