NHL has signed a one-year, $12 million contract with the Dallas Stars, effectively avoiding a scheduled salary arbitration hearing. The deal, announced by the team on Tuesday, comes after the 26-year-old forward filed for arbitration on July 5.
Contract Terms and Arbitration Status
The agreement resolves a contentious period for the Stars, who had previously tendered a $9.3 million qualifying offer to the restricted free agent. Robertson, who turns 27 on Wednesday, had been seeking a significant increase from his previous four-year, $31 million contract, which carried an annual cap hit of $7.75 million.
By securing this one-year deal, Robertson avoids the arbitration process that was set to take place on Saturday. The contract makes him one of 28 players in the NHL slated to earn more than $10 million next season, matching teammate Mikko Rantanen for the highest salary on the Dallas roster.
Recent Performance and Career Milestones
Robertson has established himself as a central figure for the franchise since being selected 39th overall in the second round of the 2017 NHL Draft. Over his 456-game career, he has recorded 490 points, including 213 goals and 277 assists.
During the 2025-26 season, Robertson led the Stars with 96 points (45 goals and 51 assists) across 82 games. His performance tied him for fourth among NHL skaters in goals. This past season marked his third career campaign with at least 40 goals. In the 2026 postseason, he contributed five goals and eight points in six games before the Stars were eliminated by the Minnesota Wild.
Strategic Outlook for the Stars
The signing provides the Stars with a temporary solution to their salary cap constraints. According to thescore.com, the team is projected to be $1.4 million over the salary cap following the agreement. General manager Jim Nill noted that the organization views Robertson as a “cornerstone” of the franchise and remains focused on the team’s championship aspirations.
Jason has been a cornerstone of our franchise since he was drafted in 2017,
Nill said in a statement. A dynamic and skilled player, he has been one of the league's top offensive threats since making his NHL debut.
Future Flexibility
The one-year structure of the deal grants the Stars time to navigate their current cap challenges, while Robertson retains significant leverage. The forward is eligible to sign a contract extension beginning January 1, 2027. If no long-term extension is reached, Robertson is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2027.
This contract follows a period of trade rumors involving the forward. In June, Robertson reportedly rejected a sign-and-trade deal that would have sent him to the Seattle Kraken on an eight-year contract worth approximately $15 million annually. With the NHL salary cap rising to $104 million for the 2026-27 season, the financial landscape for elite players continues to evolve, providing the Stars with potential for greater cap flexibility in the 2027-28 season, when the cap is projected to reach $113.5 million.
According to nytimes.com, the team now has the option to continue negotiations toward a long-term extension or evaluate trade opportunities during the season as they look to maintain their status as a Stanley Cup contender.
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