Dallas Stars General Manager Jim Nill has publicly affirmed the team’s strong desire to secure a long-term contract with star forward Jason Robertson this summer. Speaking on NHL Network, Nill addressed the status of Robertson’s contract, which is set to expire, leaving him with one restricted free agent (RFA) year before becoming an unrestricted free agent (UFA).
Nill revealed that preliminary discussions with Robertson began last summer but were mutually postponed to allow the player to focus on the season and playoffs. “He’s a big part of our team,” Nill stated, highlighting Robertson as one of the league’s leading scorers and a player currently in the prime of his career. “So a priority for us is to get him signed this summer and move on.”
Amidst considerable media speculation regarding Robertson’s future, including trade rumors and discussions about the Stars’ salary cap constraints—especially following the acquisition and significant extension of Mikko Rantanen—Nill has remained steadfast. Throughout the past summer and current season, there were whispers that the Stars might not match Robertson’s salary expectations, particularly in comparison to Rantanen’s deal.
However, Nill has consistently expressed his determination to keep Robertson in Dallas. He confirmed that communication channels between the organization and Robertson’s camp have remained open. Nill’s ultimate goal is to ensure Robertson’s presence with the Dallas Stars for the next decade, viewing him as a pivotal figure crucial to the team’s ambition of bringing the Stanley Cup to Dallas.
