The Carolina Hurricanes are in the market for a top-six forward this offseason, and they have multiple paths to fill that need—either through NHL free agency or by pursuing a trade. One potential free-agent target could be Toronto Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner. On the trade front, Dallas Stars winger stands out as a compelling option.
He is reportedly available due to salary cap constraints. The Stars need to free up cap space to make key additions this summer. He is under contract through the 2025–26 season with a $7.75 million annual cap hit—a bargain for a player of his talent.
Looking ahead, Dallas faces a tough financial decision. He will be a restricted free agent in 2026 and can become unrestricted in 2027. The team must decide whether to commit to him long-term or sign him to a shorter deal that leads to free agency.
Given their cap situation, the Stars might be unable to keep him under either scenario, which is why he’s on the trade block. The Hurricanes should be aggressive in their pursuit, and this trade package might be enough to land Robertson:
To Carolina Hurricanes: Forward Jason Robertson
To Dallas Stars: Defenseman Alexander Nikishin, forward Jackson Blake, and a 2026 first-round pick (originally belonging to Dallas)
Jason Robertson Could Solve Hurricanes’ Issues
Jason Robertson has quickly become one of the NHL’s top young forwards. During the 2022–23 season, he made franchise history by becoming the first Dallas Stars player to record a 100-point season—something not seen since the franchise’s days in Minnesota.
Since that season, Robertson ranks second among all Stars players in Offensive Goals Above Replacement (OGAR), per Evolving Hockey, trailing only Roope Hintz. He also leads the team in Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and is the only Dallas skater to have contributed at least 9.0 WAR during that stretch.
At just 25 years old, Robertson is entering his prime with a proven track record of elite offensive production. He could be the difference-maker the Hurricanes need to finally push past the Eastern Conference Final, where they’ve fallen short three times.
Stars Must Weigh Risk Over Reward in Any Trade
Dealing a player of Jason Robertson’s talent is never a simple decision—especially when he’s just entering his prime. Calling it “difficult” might even be an understatement. The Dallas Stars are taking a significant gamble by even considering his trade.
Still, there may be a strategic upside. Robertson isn’t the only key piece with a restricted free agency status on the horizon. Defenseman Thomas Harley is also set to become an RFA in 2026.
Retaining both players could prove to be financially unfeasible, even with a rising salary cap. From a roster management standpoint, the Stars might have to move one—and Robertson, with the larger cap hit, becomes the more likely candidate.
Cap flexibility is crucial, but parting ways with a player of Robertson’s caliber comes with serious risk. If Dallas goes through with it, the return must be substantial. Otherwise, the decision could come back to haunt them in a major way.
Be the first to comment