Elliotte Friedman of NHL Network discussed the ongoing situation with Dallas Stars’ pending RFA, Jason Robertson. Friedman suggested that Robertson might be seeking a contract in the vicinity of $12 million annually. The question remains whether the Stars can meet this demand and if they will need to make significant roster adjustments to accommodate such a deal.
Kathryn Tappen posed the question: after the Stars’ elimination from the playoffs, is it still realistic for them to meet Robertson’s contract expectations, especially considering his mid-season trajectory seemed to point towards a re-signing?
Friedman responded that, having witnessed Robertson’s performance, it’s difficult to envision a scenario where the Stars don’t re-sign him. He credited Robertson for stepping up when the Stars essentially challenged him to prove his worth this past season. Robertson delivered, potentially earning a spot on the First All-Star team, scoring 40 goals, and contributing five goals in six playoff games for a team that struggled offensively. He fulfilled every expectation placed upon him.
The only conceivable way this doesn’t happen, Friedman noted, is if Robertson himself decides he no longer wishes to play for the Stars, though there’s no indication of that. Friedman believes Robertson has proven his value.
He reiterated his belief that Robertson is looking for a contract starting with a “12,” referencing Mikko Rantanen’s $12 million annual salary and suggesting Robertson expects at least that. Friedman also acknowledged that the Stars might need to reconfigure their roster and manage other contracts to fit such a deal. However, he concluded that from the Stars’ perspective, given Robertson’s undeniable proof of performance, the focus should be on getting a deal done.
Dallas Stars’ Dilemma: Can They Afford to Lose Jason Robertson?
NHL Network‘s Elliotte Friedman addressed the situation surrounding Dallas Stars’ pending restricted free agent, Jason Robertson, suggesting his contract expectations may begin with a “12.” The crucial question is whether the Stars can meet these demands and if roster reconfigurations will be necessary.
Kathryn Tappen questioned the realism of the Dallas Stars meeting Robertson’s contract expectations following their playoff exit, especially after mid-season indicators suggested a re-signing was likely.
Friedman stated that after observing Robertson’s playoff performance, he struggles to see how the Stars could *not* re-sign him. He commended Robertson for seizing the opportunity the Stars gave him to prove himself this season. Robertson responded with a potentially First All-Star caliber season, reaching the 40-goal mark and contributing five goals in six playoff games for a team that had scoring difficulties. He met all expectations.
Friedman suggested the only scenario where a re-signing doesn’t occur is if Robertson himself decides he doesn’t want to stay, a possibility he has no reason to believe is true. He felt Robertson undeniably proved his worth.
He reiterated that Robertson likely seeks a contract starting with a “12,” drawing a parallel to Mikko Rantanen’s $12 million AAV, indicating Robertson’s expectation is at least that much. Friedman acknowledged that the Stars might need to make roster changes and manage other salaries to accommodate this. He concluded by urging the Stars to acknowledge Robertson’s proven performance and finalize a deal.
How can the Dallas Stars not re-sign Jason Robertson after his regular-season and playoff performance?
NHL Network‘s Elliotte Friedman discussed the Dallas Stars and their pending RFA, Jason Robertson, noting that the player might be seeking a contract starting with a “12.” The question is whether the Stars will meet this figure and if they’ll need to shuffle their roster to fit it in.
Kathryn Tappen asked Friedman if it’s realistic for the Dallas Stars to meet Robertson’s expectations in negotiations, considering his strong regular season and playoff performance, which previously seemed to point towards a re-signing.
Friedman responded that after watching the playoffs, he doesn’t see how they *can’t* re-sign him. He gave Robertson credit for stepping up when the Stars essentially told him to “show us” this year, and he did. Robertson had a great season, potentially earning First All-Star honors, scoring 40 goals, and adding five goals in six playoff games for a team that struggled to score. He did everything asked of him.
The only way Friedman can see it not happening is if Robertson decides he no longer wants to be there, which Friedman has no reason to believe is the case. He feels Robertson proved his point.
Friedman believes Robertson wants a contract starting with a “12,” similar to Mikko Rantanen’s $12 million deal, and expects at least that much. He also noted that the Stars might need to reconfigure their roster and other contracts to accommodate this. However, Friedman concluded, “If I’m the Dallas Stars right now, I’m saying, Jason, you proved it to us, and let’s get it done.”
