As the NHL season moves past the halfway point, teams are looking at roster needs and future plans. In Dallas, Jason Robertson has become part of those discussions as cap space and future contracts impact the situation. The Stars have strong depth on offense, but keeping every key piece long term may not be easy. The Pittsburgh Penguins are watching closely in case Robertson’s situation opens the door to a move.
Are the Pittsburgh Penguins Exploring Trade Options With Stars Jason Robertson?
Robertson has grown into one of the league’s better wingers with his skill and awareness of the puck. Dallas drafted him 39th overall in 2017, and he has become a complete scorer since then. The 26-year-old has 29 goals and 29 assists for 58 points in 50 games this season, along with a plus-20 rating. After dealing with foot surgery before the 2024-25 season, he has looked even healthier and more comfortable this year.
Penguins insider Josh Yohe wrote in his recent column for The Athletic that Pittsburgh would have a strong interest if Dallas makes Robertson available. “The Penguins absolutely love Jason Robertson. They aren’t alone, of course. The 26-year-old Dallas Stars forward… He’ll be in extreme demand if the Stars make him available,” Yohe wrote.
He also noted that Dallas already has major money tied up in players like Mikko Rantanen, Roope Hintz, Wyatt Johnston, Miro Heiskanen, Thomas Harley, and Jake Oettinger. That group is set to take up more than $56 million in cap space through 2029, which could make Robertson harder to keep as a restricted free agent this summer.
Earlier, Robertson stayed calm when asked about his future during a conversation with The Athletic’s Eric Stephens. “Obviously, I love Dallas. It’s been great. It’s my home and everything. It has been my home for so many years, but a lot of things are changing and moving around, and hopefully, we’ll find the right thing,” he said. He also spoke about leaning on his family, adding, “I’m happy that I have a good support system too. My mom and dad do a good job keeping me in check and doing that.”
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Pittsburgh may have options because of its mix of veterans, draft picks, and cap flexibility. Yohe explained that signing Robertson as a restricted free agent may not make sense due to compensation rules. A trade could be more realistic if Dallas decides it cannot keep him long-term.
Dallas still has time to sort out its plans, but tough choices may be coming. If that happens, Pittsburgh looks ready to explore a move. Robertson’s consistent scoring and all-around play explain why so many teams are watching his situation closely.
