The Dallas Stars are reportedly encountering a financial obstacle related to locking down defenseman Thomas Harley, which could compel them to consider trading winger Jason Robertson. Robertson, who is entering the final year of his four-year, $31 million contract, will be a restricted free agent next summer and is expected to seek a substantial salary increase following his standout season.
With 35 goals and 80 points in 82 games last year, Robertson has proven his value, but the Stars face difficulty in retaining both him and Harley. Harley is also due for restricted free agency after this season, creating competing priorities within the team‘s salary structure that may influence roster decisions.
Potential Prioritization of Thomas Harley Over Jason Robertson
Insider Dan Rosen highlighted the Stars’ dilemma, suggesting that the team‘s financial constraints might make it necessary to prioritize one of their promising restricted free agents. Harley, a rising defenseman, could be favored for re-signing over Robertson, despite the forward’s scoring prowess.
“So, the Stars could make it work with Robertson depending on the financial terms of his next deal, but the roadblock could be defenseman Thomas Harley.” —Dan Rosen, NHL Insider
“If the Stars feel they have to choose between Harley and Robertson on who to re-sign, it’d be hard to argue against them choosing the rising star defenseman ahead of the 35-goal forward. But does it have to be a choice? What is Dallas sacrificing if it re-signs both?” —Dan Rosen, NHL Insider
Rosen’s observations underscore the delicate balance the Stars must manage as they weigh the immediate scoring impact Robertson provides against Harley’s potential long-term defensive contributions.
Strategic Options for Managing Robertson’s Contract Situation
If the Stars decide that keeping both players is unfeasible, Rosen proposed that Dallas might consider trading Robertson using a strategy akin to the Mitch Marner trade discussions between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vegas Golden Knights. This method would involve the acquiring team negotiating a new contract with Robertson in advance, potentially maximizing Dallas’s return in a trade.
Alternatively, teams confident about re-signing Robertson could acquire him without a predetermined contract agreement, but this carries risks. Rosen cites the example of Mikko Rantanen’s trade to the Carolina Hurricanes, which serves as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of this approach.
Uncertain Outlook for Jason Robertson’s Contract and Trade Prospects
Regarding the possibility of a trade, Rosen described the odds as roughly equal on whether Robertson remains with the Stars or is moved before the deadline, with the scenario hinging on if and when a new contract can be agreed upon.
“Cop-out answer, but probably 50/50 at this point because it really depends on if the Stars and Robertson can or even want to try to get a new deal done sooner rather than later…” —Dan Rosen, NHL Insider
The situation reflects the complex negotiations NHL teams face when balancing salary cap constraints with the need to retain top talent, particularly when multiple young restricted free agents require new contracts. The Stars’ decision on Robertson and Harley will shape their roster and competitive prospects moving forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Jason Robertson’s salary?
A. Jason Robertson agreed to a four-year contract worth $31 million with the Dallas Stars on October 5, 2022. His contract has a cap hit of $7.75 million and ends after the 2025-26 season.
Q. How much does Jason Robertson get paid?
A. Contract Details Jason Robertson agreed to a four-year deal worth $31 million with the Dallas Stars on October 5, 2022. The contract’s cap hit is $7.75 million and it ends after the 2025-26 season.