How do the Dallas Stars rebound from yet another Western Conference Finals loss?
Head coach Peter DeBoer guided them to that stage all three of his seasons at the helm, but another shortcoming led to his dismissal and leaves the Stars in a bit of flux.
Their first move was re-signing Matt Duchene to a four-year, $18 million contract. However, the more pertinent player is Jason Robertson, who will become a restricted free agent after the 2025-26 season.
Dallas has reportedly fielded calls about their soon-to-be 26-year-old star, but it appears that they are more so testing the waters rather than committing to a divorce.
According to Chris Johnston of The Chris Johnston Show, the Stars are unlikely to move Robertson now.
The Stars have about $2.76 million in cap space and will need to get creative with their money. The core of Mikko Rantanen, Miro Heiskanen, Roope Hintz, Wyatt Johnston, Esa Lindell, and Jake Oettinger are all locked up long-term.
But, how do they address Robertson, free agent Jamie Benn, and budding superstar defenseman Thomas Harley, who will be a restricted free agent after this season?
If Dallas chooses to try and work out a long-term deal with Robertson, it could look for Tyler Seguin suitors. The 33-year-old has struggled to stay on the ice lately and is due $9.85 million each of the next two years. Perhaps the Stars can attach a draft pick and entice a contender to take on Seguin’s contract.
Robertson was a slight snub for Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off and will likely do everything in his power to avoid that scenario at the 2026 Olympics. Should that happen, Dallas will almost have to sign him.
