The Dallas Stars are entering a pivotal offseason, and the front office faces some serious decisions about the team’s future. After falling short in the Western Conference Final against the Edmonton Oilers in May, Dallas now has its sights set on retooling for another run in 2026.
However, with less than $5 million in available cap space, that goal may require difficult roster choices, including potentially moving star winger Jason Robertson. Robertson is still under contract at a manageable cap hit, but that deal expires next summer when he becomes a restricted free agent. By 2027, he’ll be unrestricted and in line for a massive payday. With the Stars tight against the cap and several other players under long-term deals, finding enough space to retain Robertson could prove challenging.
Jason Robertson Trade Rumors Heating Up Amid Dallas Stars’ Cap Crunch
That financial pressure has opened the door to trade rumors. Multiple teams around the NHL are keeping a close eye on Dallas, and if Robertson is made available, he would instantly become one of the most coveted players on the market.
The Buffalo Sabres are at a turning point of their own. After another disappointing season without a playoff berth, the organization is eager to make meaningful changes to the roster. A player like Robertson, who can add elite scoring talent to Buffalo’s top six, is exactly what they need.
Robertson, 24, is one of the league’s most productive young forwards. In 2021–22, he surpassed the 100-point mark and has since remained a core part of Dallas’ offensive engine.
With young winger JJ Peterka emerging as a solid contributor, the Sabres could look to package him with other assets to land a more established talent like Robertson. Even more enticing for Dallas might be defenseman Bowen Byram, a restricted free agent with offensive upside and strong puck-moving abilities.
A Robertson-for-Byram deal would be a true “hockey trade,” addressing needs on both sides.
Several NHL insiders are reporting that Jason Robertson’s name is on the trade market…
What would you want your team to give up for J-Rob? pic.twitter.com/xVoo3h32bi
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) June 11, 2025
Detroit has long been linked to big-name trade targets, and Jason Robertson fits the mold of what GM Steve Yzerman has publicly targeted: young, impactful, long-term pieces. Robertson could complement core pieces like Lucas Raymond and Marco Kasper, giving Detroit a top line with serious scoring potential.
Detroit’s most attractive trade chips are still prospects and draft picks, not ideal for Dallas if they want immediate help. However, with one of the deepest prospect pools in the NHL, the Red Wings might be able to craft an enticing offer if they’re willing to part with top-tier future talent.
The New York Rangers need high-end forward talent, especially at center, but they won’t ignore the opportunity to land a player like Robertson. He’d bring youth and top-line ability to a roster that underperformed in 2024–25 and could help inject some life into a stagnant offense.
The Rangers would likely need to move out a significant piece or two to make room for Robertson, both financially and in the lineup. It wouldn’t be easy, but if Dallas is serious about exploring trade scenarios, New York has the motivation and potential to make a deal work.
At this stage, there’s no guarantee Dallas will trade Jason Robertson, and they certainly won’t do so without a major return. But with cap space evaporating and big contracts looming, the Stars may have no choice but to explore the market. For teams like Buffalo, Detroit, and New York, it’s an opportunity that might not come again.