The Pittsburgh Penguins are active in exploring ways to reshape their roster, but finding a blockbuster trade has become far more complicated than simply identifying the right target. Across the NHL, front offices are taking a far different approach than they have in recent years, creating a market where major deals rarely reach the finish line.
This shift has left several star players in limbo while contenders wait for the next domino to fall.
Marco D’Amico Explains Why Penguins’ Jason Robertson Chase Remains on Hold
The Penguins have been linked to several high-profile trade targets, and one of those names is Jason Robertson. However, a deal is not anywhere near the finish line, as the biggest hurdle may not be the asking price.
According to NHL insider Marco D’Amico, the entire league has shifted its approach to blockbuster trades, making negotiations far more difficult than fans have grown accustomed to seeing.
Speaking on The Starr & D’Amico Show, D’Amico pointed to the arbitration period as the next possible turning point.
“A second wave of trades around the arbitration period is where we may see teams trade the player before arbitration,” he said, adding that Robertson could become one of those names.
Jason Robertson has an arbitration date set for July 25.
My gut feeling is this will not happen.
One way or another, this saga ends before that date.— Bruce LeVine (@BruceLeVinePuck) July 13, 2026
Even if Robertson stays in Dallas on a one-year contract, D’Amico believes that decision would “force other teams that were waiting to see what would happen to pivot elsewhere.”
That waiting game, he explained, is one of the biggest reasons the market has slowed dramatically. “This is why I’m saying that the market is being held up in various areas,” D’Amico said, noting that several teams are delaying major decisions until Robertson’s situation becomes clearer.
The insider also addressed what he believes is the biggest difference between fans and NHL executives. “The biggest difference is the disconnect,” he said, explaining that supporters continue proposing prospect-heavy trade packages while front offices have moved in a different direction.
Using Montreal as an example, D’Amico said, “The Canadiens aren’t looking for maybes anymore. The Canadiens already have their maybes in their prospect pool.” Instead, teams are prioritizing proven NHL players over development projects.
This philosophy directly impacts Pittsburgh’s pursuit of Robertson. General manager Kyle Dubas has been connected to the Dallas winger, who is seeking a long-term extension after a 45-goal, 96-point season.
But even if the Stars prefer an established contributor in return for immediate impact, the Penguins can offer Rickard Rakell or Bryan Rust to help Dallas offset the loss of a top-line winger.
While further explaining the shift, D’Amico said that it extends well beyond one team.
“No one seems to care about futures or prospects this summer. Nobody,” he said. While draft picks and prospects can still headline smaller deals, he stressed that “you’re not seeing deals involving the top trade assets where it’s just futures.”
He also explained why that mindset has changed. “Teams don’t want to rebuild like they used to,” D’Amico said, adding that the Vancouver Canucks appear to be “the only team that seems to be the exception to that rule right now.”
ALSO READ: Vancouver Linked With ‘Most Misunderstood Player in the NHL’
For the Penguins, there is still a strong possibility that a deal could happen.
But until the arbitration process is ongoing, nothing can be said for certain. Meanwhile, the Penguins will continue to pursue Robertson, alongside other teams interested in the Stars forward, keeping the situation in limbo.
