Dallas Stars General Manager Jim Nill recently discussed the crucial contract status of star forward Jason Robertson, affirming the organization’s strong desire to secure him long-term. Speaking on NHL Network’s NHL First Shift, Nill highlighted Robertson as a pivotal part of the team’s future plans.
Robertson, currently nearing the end of his restricted free agent (RFA) status, has only one year remaining before he could become an unrestricted free agent (UFA). This impending contract situation has naturally led to speculation regarding his future with the Stars.
Nill confirmed that initial discussions with Robertson’s camp began last summer. However, both parties decided to table the talks, opting instead to focus on the ongoing season and the team’s playoff aspirations. “We started discussions with Jason last summer,” Nill stated. “In the end, we decided, let’s table this. Let’s go have a good year, let’s have a good playoff, and we’ll make this work.”
The general manager emphasized Robertson’s integral role within the franchise. “He’s a big part of our team. He’s one of the leading scorers in the league, and he’s really in the prime of his career. So a priority for us is to get him signed this summer and move on.”
Despite previous market speculation and “what if” scenarios regarding Robertson’s trade value or potential salary demands compared to other high-profile signings like Mikko Rantanen (who signed an eight-year, $12 million AAV deal with the Stars after a trade), Nill has consistently expressed his commitment to retaining Robertson. Throughout the past summer and into the current season, Nill has remained firm on signing the young forward, counteracting rumors that the Stars might be unwilling to match certain salary expectations.
The lines of communication between the Stars and Robertson’s representatives remain open and active. Nill’s overarching goal is to ensure Robertson remains a cornerstone of the Dallas Stars for the next decade. The organization views Robertson as a key talent capable of helping the franchise achieve its ultimate goal: bringing the Stanley Cup to Dallas.
