It's been a head-scratching offseason for the Dallas Stars, and things aren't looking any brighter as one of their star players is in a contract saga with general manager Jim Nill.
The NHLPA announced that Stars forward Jason Robertson will file for arbitration, meaning that he will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2027. His future was already a dark cloud, but now, he's going to be a free man next summer, assuming the Stars keep him for the entire 2026-27 season and don't trade him.
Robertson is one of the best forwards in the league, and he's monumental in helping the Stars bring home their first Stanley Cup in over 25 years. At least there's some clarity, but it's still not what Stars fans had hoped.
Jason Robertson's future with the Stars is more up in the air than ever
The good news: Robertson declined an eight-year deal with the Seattle Kraken, where he would've made $15 million annually. Both the front office and Robertson seem committed to each other, but this also may be a strategic move.
Nill may wait to sign Robertson to a long-term deal next season, but that's all up in the air for now.
$12 million annually seems fair enough, but to be honest, Robertson was playing far beyond his own market value last season, when he scored 45 goals, 51 assists and 96 points. He could be waiting to get $15 million annually, but it looks like this has to be another "prove-it" season.
But it shouldn't have to be. Robertson is a well-mannered star who does his job every night. It'd be nice to know more about his long-term future, but it could also mean that Nill could do some work before the trade deadline in 2027.
Robertson is worth multiple picks, including first-rounders. For the Stars, that might be the direction they want to go in with Jamie Benn possibly suiting up for the last time this upcoming season.
It's still a long season ahead, but this didn't make things much better for Stars fans wanting to keep Robertson for the long run.
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