Kyle Dubas may be gearing up for his biggest move yet. As the NHL trade market heats up, the Pittsburgh Penguins have emerged as a potential landing spot for a 45-goal superstar who could give Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin a legitimate shot at another Stanley Cup.
Insider Uncovers Pittsburgh Penguins’ Blockbuster Pursuit
Jason Robertson’s contract situation has quickly become one of the biggest storylines of the NHL offseason.
With the 2026 NHL Draft done and dusted, negotiations between Robertson and the Stars remain at a standstill, and NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has now shed light on why a new deal is yet to come to fruition.
According to Friedman, Robertson wants to remain in Dallas, but the two sides remain far apart financially. He reported that the Stars have offered around $12 million per season and could be willing to increase that to roughly $12.5 million. Robertson, however, is believed to be seeking at least $14 million annually, and neither side appears ready to budge.
Friedman also revealed that Pittsburgh was among the teams that recently held trade discussions with Dallas.
“Now, I heard that there were talks with Pittsburgh on Friday or Saturday… There were a couple of teams who thought there was some momentum there, but obviously it didn’t happen. Pittsburgh, by the way, is another team that people are saying is trying to do something with some heft to it. So, I wasn’t so surprised to hear that,” Friedman said.
While Robertson’s preference is still believed to be staying in Dallas, the gap in contract talks has created an opportunity for interested teams. If negotiations continue to stall, Dubas could try to capitalize.
On the ice, the fit is obvious.
For years, Sidney Crosby has elevated everyone around him. But at this stage of his career, Pittsburgh needs another elite scorer to share the offensive load.
Robertson checks every box. The three-time 40-goal scorer combines size, skill, and elite hockey sense, making him an ideal winger alongside Crosby. Together, they could give the Penguins one of the NHL’s most dangerous top lines.
The biggest question, however, is whether Robertson would be interested in joining Pittsburgh.
Friedman also reported that the Seattle Kraken, after receiving permission from Dallas, offered Robertson an eight-year contract worth $15 million per season. Robertson turned it down, suggesting his decision isn’t based solely on money.
Instead, it appears he’s looking for both top-dollar value and the right situation to compete for a Stanley Cup.
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That leaves the Stars with a difficult decision. If contract talks remain at a standstill, rival teams like the Penguins will continue monitoring the situation closely, hoping the door opens for one of the biggest trades of the offseason.
