FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Stars announced on Tuesday night that they have signed forward Jason Robertson to a one-year, $12 million contract. The deal, which comes 2 1/2 weeks after Robertson filed for salary arbitration, allows both parties to avoid a formal hearing. The agreement was finalized just one day before Robertson’s 27th birthday.
Jim Nill on the Cornerstone Forward
Jim Nill on the Cornerstone Forward
Stars general manager Jim Nill expressed the organization’s commitment to the player following the announcement. Jason has been a cornerstone of our franchise since he was drafted in 2017,
Nill said. “A dynamic and skilled player, he has been one of the league’s top offensive threats since making his NHL debut. We’re excited for what this season will bring for both Jason and the team as we continue our push to bring a championship to Dallas.”
Robertson’s Stature and Performance
Robertson’s Stature and Performance
Selected by Dallas in the second round (No. 39) of the 2017 NHL Draft, Robertson has established himself as a primary offensive force. Over his career, he has recorded 490 points (213 goals and 277 assists) in 456 regular-season games, while adding 52 points (23 goals and 29 assists) in 62 playoff games. He has led the Stars in points in three of the past four seasons, including the 2022-23 campaign, when he set an NHL career-high with 109 points (46 goals, 63 assists) in 82 games.
In the most recent season, Robertson led Dallas with 96 points (45 goals, 51 assists) across 82 regular-season games. Additionally, he contributed eight points (five goals, three assists) in six Stanley Cup Playoff games. Since the 2020-21 season, Robertson leads the Stars in several categories, including goals (213), assists (276), points (489), power-play goals (60), and power-play points (156). He has played in all 328 of the team’s regular-season games over the last four years, accumulating 365 points (155 goals and 210 assists) during that span.
Salary Cap and Market Context
Salary Cap and Market Context
The $12 million salary for the 2026-27 season matches forward Mikko Rantanen for the highest on the Stars’ roster. Rantanen recently completed the first year of a $96 million, eight-year extension signed to facilitate his trade to Dallas from Carolina in March 2025. Robertson, who previously completed a $31 million, four-year deal signed in 2022, could become an unrestricted free agent for the first time next summer.
Negotiations for this contract took place against the backdrop of potential arbitration, which had led to speculation regarding the Stars’ salary cap flexibility. Reports indicated that the Pittsburgh Penguins, led by GM Kyle Dubas, had maintained interest in acquiring Robertson. Analysts suggested that if an arbitration hearing had resulted in a salary award of $15 million or $16 million, it would have created significant pressure on the Stars’ cap space, potentially forcing the team to move the player.
Sign-and-Trade Deal with the Seattle Kraken
Prior to the agreement, Nill had acknowledged that the team previously held a sign-and-trade deal to send Robertson to the Seattle Kraken for the seventh overall pick. While Robertson could not veto the trade, he did not agree to a long-term contract with Seattle—a deal reported to be worth $120 million over eight years ($15 million annually)—which ultimately prevented the move.