The Dallas Stars struck gold at the 2017 NHL Draft by selecting three cornerstone players within the first 20 hours: Miro Heiskanen, Jake Oettinger, and Jason Robertson. These picks included a No. 1 defenseman, a top-tier starting goalie, and an elite scoring winger, collectively forming the backbone of Dallas’s future plans.

Heiskanen and Oettinger have since secured lengthy eight-year contracts, ensuring stability in key positions. Robertson, however, remains on a shorter four-year deal signed just before the 2022-23 season, with only one year left before expiration and two seasons until he can reach unrestricted free agency. This contractual timeline places a delicate strain on the Stars’ salary cap management, especially following the acquisition of a $12 million player, Mikko Rantanen, and an impending raise for 2019 first-round selection Thomas Harley.

Factors Driving Trade Speculation Around Jason Robertson

The combination of looming free agency and salary cap constraints has pushed Robertson to the front of many offseason trade conversations, including Nick Kypreos’ recent trade board on Sportsnet.ca. Despite his proven track record, including two 40-goal campaigns by the age of 25, Dallas faces tough choices in balancing roster talent and financial commitments.

Robertson lacks formal trade protection, but his willingness to sign an extension with a new team will weigh heavily in any potential deal. The decision to trade would likely involve acquiring multiple assets—prospects, draft picks, or depth players—rather than an immediate roster equivalent, aiming to maintain roster strength while guiding the Stars through the salary cap challenges ahead.

Los Angeles Kings as a Natural Landing Spot

Leading the list of potential suitors are the Los Angeles Kings, Robertson’s hometown team. The Kings could view acquiring him as a pivotal step toward overcoming their playoff struggles, particularly against dominant teams like the Edmonton Oilers. As a high-end scorer who grew up locally, Robertson would fit their offensive needs perfectly.

The Kings do have their own contract to manage, with emerging forward Alex Laferriere requiring a new deal and Adrian Kempe facing free agency and a probable raise. Still, the allure of adding a proven point-per-game winger like Robertson would prompt the Kings to explore all options.

Carolina Hurricanes’ Ambitious Build

The Carolina Hurricanes stand out as a contender actively pursuing offensive upgrades, boasting around $10 million in cap space for 2025-26. Having already signed winger Nikolaj Ehlers from free agency, Carolina could envision pairing him with Robertson to significantly bolster their top six scoring options.

Carolina’s recent trade history with Dallas, including the high-profile Mikko Rantanen swap, adds complexity to potential negotiations. The Hurricanes retain first-round picks from Dallas in 2026 and 2028, which might be instrumental in structuring a trade for Robertson, creating potential for another blockbuster exchange.

Washington Capitals Eyeing Future Scoring Stability

The Capitals, fresh off winning the most points in the Eastern Conference in 2024-25, have also been linked to Robertson. Although their cap space is tight, shedding secondary players could allow Washington to absorb Robertson’s $7.75 million salary for the coming season.

With Alex Ovechkin turning 40 and his contract closing soon, the Capitals will face a looming scoring gap on their top line. Robertson’s scoring prowess could be a vital piece in filling that impending void, helping maintain Washington’s competitive edge.

Columbus Blue Jackets Seeking Offensive Boost

The Columbus Blue Jackets have made steady progress but still lack a prolific scorer akin to Robertson, who would bring a potent offensive threat previously rare for the franchise. Columbus demonstrated commitment to improvement by pursuing defenseman Noah Dobson and considering trading winger Dmitri Voronkov, whose 23-goal sophomore season might interest Dallas.

With significant cap space available and a pending contract for rookie Adam Fantilli, the Jackets could leverage their assets to tempt the Stars with young talent and draft picks in exchange for Robertson’s proven scoring ability.

Detroit Red Wings’ Rebuild Urgency

Detroit’s rebuilding process faces intense pressure after missing the playoffs since 2016 and not winning a playoff series since 2013. General Manager Steve Yzerman is known for his proactive approach, having recently acquired Alex DeBrincat through trade to bolster offense.

The Wings ranked near the bottom of the league in goals per game last season, making a move for a dynamic scorer like Robertson logically compelling. Detroit’s eagerness to accelerate their rebuild may drive aggressive trade talks, aiming to add impactful scorers capable of transforming the team’s fortunes.

Seattle Kraken’s Cap Space and Future Assets

The Seattle Kraken have demonstrated a willingness to engage in roster adjustments, evidenced by sending Mason Marchment to Dallas as salary housekeeping. Despite not being immediate playoff contenders, Seattle’s extensive cap space and multiple future first-round picks in 2026 and 2027 make them serious contenders to pursue Robertson for long-term impact.

Their abundance of draft capital could form a basis for an enticing package, helping Dallas address its mix of immediate and future needs in a potential trade.

Utah Mammoth as a Dark Horse Candidate

Utah remains a wildcard in these discussions, despite acquiring JJ Peterka recently, with some limitations on cap space. They could offer contracts like Nick Schmaltz, with $5.85 million on his final contract year, alongside multiple draft picks and prospects to create a competitive trade offer.

The Mammoth’s willingness to add proven NHL scoring talent aligns with Dallas’s goal of accumulating assets to rebuild or upgrade its roster in stages, creating a multi-team dynamic that might extend beyond just Robertson’s trade.

Trade Implications and What Lies Ahead

The potential trade of Jason Robertson would mark a significant shakeup in the NHL offseason, affecting contenders and rebuilding clubs alike. The 25-year-old winger’s established scoring ability guarantees that numerous teams would express interest, but contract durations, financial constraints, and extension willingness will heavily influence any transaction.

For Dallas, navigating these decisions will require balancing their immediate competitiveness against long-term roster sustainability, particularly with key contracts and rising salaries looming. Meanwhile, teams such as Los Angeles, Carolina, and Washington could redefine their offensive futures with a successful acquisition.

Ultimately, whether Robertson stays in Dallas or moves elsewhere, his trade potential exemplifies how the salary cap era forces teams to make difficult choices on highly talented players, often leading to unexpected offseason moves that reshape NHL dynamics well before the next puck drops.