Stars, Robertson avoid arbitration with $12M deal

The Dallas Stars and high-scoring forward Jason Robertson have avoided a salary arbitration hearing, agreeing to a one-year, $12 million contract for the upcoming 2026-27 NHL season. The team announced the deal on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, just over two months after Robertson filed for arbitration as a restricted free agent.

The agreement provides immediate resolution to a tense negotiation that had reportedly seen the two sides at least $2 million apart annually on a long-term deal. Robertson, who turned 27 on Wednesday, will now become an unrestricted free agent next summer, though he becomes eligible to negotiate a long-term extension with Dallas starting January 1, 2027.

Stars general manager Jim Nill called Robertson a cornerstone of the franchise. "A dynamic and skilled player, he has been one of the league's top offensive threats since making his NHL debut," Nill said in a statement. "We're excited for what this season will bring for both Jason and the team as we continue our push to bring a championship to Dallas."

Robertson's new salary matches forward Mikko Rantanen for the highest cap hit on the Stars. His production justifies the significant one-year investment; he...