The Jason Robertson trade rumors continue to dominate the NHL offseason. After two potential blockbuster deals fell apart, a new Eastern Conference contender has emerged as a serious player in the sweepstakes, setting the stage for what could become one of the biggest trades of the summer.
Jason Robertson Sweepstakes See Another Big Entrant
Before the NHL Draft, a proposed three-team blockbuster would have sent Robertson to Seattle, the Kraken’s No. 7 overall pick to Toronto, and Matthew Knies to Dallas. However, the deal fell apart after Robertson declined to sign an eight-year, $120 million extension with the Kraken. He also reportedly turned down another potential trade to the St. Louis Blues.
With Seattle and St. Louis seemingly out of the picture, the Pittsburgh Penguins have emerged as a serious Eastern Conference contender.
According to Pittsburgh insider Josh Yohe, “Robertson was not willing to play in Seattle, but the Penguins believe the winger would be willing to play in Pittsburgh,” he reported.
Yohe also reported that Dallas values Pittsburgh’s young assets more than its veteran players. General manager Kyle Dubas made several attempts to move up in the draft and also pushed hard to acquire Robertson, but no deal materialized over the weekend.
“But Dubas is not giving up. This could all be for nothing, of course, if Dallas can sign the restricted free agent to a long-term deal,” Yohe noted.
“As long as a trade is possible, though, Dubas is likely to keep trying to make it work. Though he is extremely reluctant to deal too many young assets… Dubas is willing to make a dent in his system to land a young player of Robertson’s caliber,” he added.
Robertson would be an ideal addition for Pittsburgh. In the short term, the proven 40-plus goal scorer would give Sidney Crosby an elite scoring winger as the Penguins continue to chase another Stanley Cup.
Looking further ahead, the 26-year-old could become the franchise’s next cornerstone once Crosby and Malkin eventually move on, giving Dubas a star to build around for the future.
Landing Robertson won’t come cheap, however.
According to ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski, Dallas is seeking a “Rantanen-level” return, meaning any deal would need to include an NHL-ready player, a top prospect, and premium draft capital.
A realistic offer from Pittsburgh could feature Bryan Rust or Rickard Rakell, top prospect Rutger McGroarty, and first-round picks.
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Dubas has spent the past few years rebuilding Pittsburgh’s prospect pool, but opportunities to acquire a player like Robertson rarely come around. If the Penguins are convinced he is willing to commit long-term, don’t expect them to back away from the negotiating table anytime soon.
