Elliotte Friedman dropped a significant update on Jason Robertson Sunday, and Dallas Stars fans should pay close attention to every word.
Friedman said Robertson could theoretically go to arbitration and walk himself into free agency. But someone called Friedman directly with a clear message: Dallas is not letting that happen. The Stars are still trying to trade him.
-
That's a franchise that has made its decision. Robertson is not part of the plan going forward, and GM Jim Nill is not going to let a 26-year-old who just scored 45 goals walk out the door for nothing.
The numbers are staggering for a player being shopped this aggressively. Robertson posted 96 points in 82 games this season at a $7,750,000 cap hit. A +22 rating. Nine game-winning goals. He put up 5 goals and 8 points in six playoff games before Dallas got eliminated by Minnesota in six.
The problem isn't his production. The problem is that teams already know he turned down a trade to Seattle, and that changes the negotiating dynamic completely.
You don't just acquire Robertson. You have to know he'll show up and play. That's a phone call teams are making before they move any real assets.
Robertson's arbitration threat gives Dallas a hard deadline to work with
The arbitration path is real leverage, and it cuts both ways. If Robertson files and wins a high number, Dallas either pays it or walks away and gets nothing. Nill can't afford to let that play out.
Dallas went 50-20-12 this season, third overall with 112 points. They scored 278 goals. But they lost in the first round to Minnesota, going 2-4. A team that good doesn't blow up its roster lightly.
Robertson carries a cap hit that would be a genuine upgrade for almost any contender's top six. Wyatt Johnston scored 45 goals this season alongside him. Mikko Rantanen added 77 points. The Stars aren't struggling offensively. They're managing a relationship that's clearly broken down.
The clock is ticking. And right now, the Stars hold less leverage than they did a week ago.
Should a contender take a chance and trade for Jason Robertson despite his destination demands?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
A surprising frontrunner has emerged for Jason Robertson and it's stunning the hockey world
