The Chicago Blackhawks had a solid start to the 2025-26 NHL season, but things changed after that stretch. They have shown some good games this season, which suggests improvement, but by the trade deadline, it was obvious the team needed more work.
The team began looking ahead and moved several veteran players. They tried to add draft picks and increase their cap space to make the team younger.
Jason Robertson’s Contract Situation Could Draw Blackhawks Interest
The Blackhawks need to add good young forwards to settle their offensive core, with 2023 No. 1 overall pick Connor Bedard leading the way. During the 2026 NHL trade deadline, they traded captain Nick Foligno, and Bedard was named an alternate captain.
These moves show that the organization is now more focused on young players, which could make its roster more competitive. But for them to become a playoff team, they need significant additions, and one priority is adding a high-end offensive player. Such a move can give the team more star production besides Bedard.
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In a recent Chicago Sun-Times column, Blackhawks reporter Ben Pope discussed Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson as a possible name to monitor. Robertson is currently playing under a four-year, $31 million contract that carries a $7.75 million cap hit. The deal expires after the 2025-26 season, which means he will become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1.
Pope explained how Robertson is approaching another major contract decision, but the Stars face difficulties in offering him one.
“He’s a pending restricted free agent who will command a massive cap hit in the $10-12 million range,” Pope wrote. “That could be difficult for the Stars to afford, since they already have six other players (including four other forwards) making more than $8 million.”
Pope added that Robertson’s contract talks could soon become a major issue for the Stars. “Once their playoff run ends this spring, Robertson negotiations will become a hot-button topic.” He also pointed out that if the Blackhawks pursue Robertson, he “would instantly become the Hawks’ second-best forward.”
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Robertson is not producing at the pace of his 109-point 2022-23 season, but he is still a solid 80-point forward. Additionally, he can easily provide more than 30 goals in a season. This could be beneficial for the Blackhawks, as they need such an offensive player.
Robertson recently showed his offensive ability in a 7-2 win against the Edmonton Oilers. In that game, he scored two goals and added two power-play assists. Through 66 games this season, he has 36 goals and 43 assists for 79 points.
If the Stars struggle to reach a long-term extension, that would be an opportunity for the Blackhawks. They also need to give Bedard an extension, as he will soon enter his prime production-wise. For the Blackhawks to capitalize on that time, pursuing Robertson will be an important move.
