Jason Robertson Has Major Interest In Joining Pittsburgh
Kypreos reports Robertson remains on track to either reach unrestricted free agency next summer or be traded before then if a long-term agreement with the Stars isn't reached.
Kypreos says the Penguins' offseason trade for Robertson's younger brother, Nick, was made for several reasons, including the belief it could help sway Jason toward joining him in Pittsburgh, and Kypreos reports Pittsburgh is a market the older Robertson has "tremendous interest in."
Connection That's Been Building For Months
The Athletic's Josh Yohe reported back in July that the Penguins' interest in Jason Robertson was tied to their belief he'd actually be willing to play in Pittsburgh.
"The Penguins are still very much open to acquiring Robertson, whom they believe could be a short- and long-term building block for president/GM Kyle Dubas' vision," Yohe wrote. "The Penguins, as previously reported, believe there is a real chance Robertson would agree to play in Pittsburgh. Trading for his brother, Nick Robertson, doesn't figure to hurt the cause."
Nick Kypreos: Re Jason Robertson: Word is the Penguins’ acquisition of his younger brother Nick was done for a number of reasons, including...lure Jason to town; Pittsburgh is one market Jason has tremendous interest in - Sportsnet (9/24)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) September 24, 2026
Pittsburgh acquired Nick from the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 1 for a 2028 fourth-round pick, then signed him to a two-year, $6.5 million extension two weeks later.
GM Kyle Dubas has history with the younger Robertson, having drafted him during his time running Toronto's front office.
Dallas Hasn't Been Willing To Move Him Yet
Robertson's RFA situation was resolved recently when he signed a one-year, $12 million bridge deal to stay in Dallas for 2026-27, buying both sides time rather than settling his long-term future.
He becomes extension-eligible with the Stars on January 1, though that's not expected to happen immediately, since under CBA rules any no-trade protection he'd eventually receive wouldn't kick in until his next contract actually begins.
That technicality means Dallas could theoretically sign him long-term and still trade him afterward, including to a team like Seattle, which Robertson has already rejected a move to once this offseason via a proposed sign-and-trade.
Barring a new deal getting done somewhere before then, he's on track to reach unrestricted free agency next July.
Last season, Robertson scored 45 goals and 96 total points across a full 82-game season.
