The Dallas Stars are prioritizing the contract talks with their restricted free agent forward, Jason Robertson. General Manager Jim Nill stated his intention to connect with Robertson’s agent, Andy Scott, next week to begin negotiations.
“Our main focus is securing him to a new contract,” Nill remarked. “We drafted and developed him, and we firmly believe he will be a Dallas Star for the remainder of his career.”
Despite a first-round playoff exit against the Minnesota Wild, Nill does not foresee drastic changes to the team’s roster. He emphasized that while some adjustments might occur naturally as players vie for positions, a wholesale rebuilding is not on the horizon.
“We are a strong team, and I will not be making a multitude of changes,” Nill asserted. “I’ve experienced this scenario before, particularly during my time with the Detroit Red Wings. A deep playoff run one year, followed by a first-round exit the next, often leads to calls for a complete overhaul. However, history has shown that such teams can return to the Conference Final and even win the Stanley Cup the following year.”
Regarding veteran forward Jamie Benn, a pending unrestricted free agent who has played his entire 17-year NHL career with the Stars, the team plans to give him a few weeks before resuming discussions. Nill expressed his desire for Benn to return to Dallas and indicated that Benn is also considering it.
“Jamie and I have had brief conversations recently,” Nill stated. “We’re going to give him a couple of weeks, but my aim is for him to be back. I believe he wants to return, but I want to grant him that time to process and make his decision. The organization is indeed hoping for his return.”