With the season starting in the coming weeks and training camps beginning, teams are finalizing their rosters. One man that has his work cut out for him is Dallas Stars manager Jim Nill. He finally made the right move by inking starting netminder Jake Oettinger to a three-year deal. However, another big star awaits his turn. Star forward Jason Robertson needs a contract extension.
Contract Talks Progressing With Jason Robertson
Rumour: Sean O’Leary from The Score discusses Jim Nill Making Progress In Extending Jason Robertson
Stars GM: 'Very open dialogue' with Robertson as training camp looms https://t.co/NJR5Sz2tEO pic.twitter.com/DHn6ZBHCpa
— theScore NHL (@theScoreNHL) September 13, 2022
Jason Robertson needs a contract extension. The league has seen young guns signing big deals this off-season, such as Tim Stutzle, Jordan Kyrou, Tage Thompson, and fellow team-mate Oettinger. Locking up young players long-term is nothing new. And it is in the Stars’ best interest to get the deal done now that the season will begin soon.
According to O’Leary, Jim Nill has been in contact with Robertson and his representatives. He goes on to say, “We’re having healthy discussions,” Nill said, per Matthew DeFranks of The Dallas Morning News. “We have very open dialogue with his representation. That’s just kind of where it stands.”
That’s an 8️-game point streak for Jason Robertson 🔥 pic.twitter.com/X1CPknAKiW
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) April 27, 2021
Robertson is the only player who does not have a contract. After inking Oettinger to his three-year deal, the team currently has $6.3 million remaining in cap space. Based on the level of production, it may not be enough to lock him up long-term.
Why It’s Important To Get This Done
Robertson is arguably the best forward on the team and the most impactful player. This is a kid who had established himself the last few seasons and was the runner-up for the Calder Trophy in 2020-21. Robertson is coming off his best season. Setting career highs in goals (41), assists (38), and points (79). He was also 1/3 of the Stars’ top line which includes Joe Pavelski and Roope Hintz. This line combined for 51 goals, which was the best on the team.
Depth may be a bit of a concern for the Stars and not having this kid in the lineup does more harm than good. Nill goes on to add, “We’re having constant communication, just working through different avenues of the contract. It’s negotiations.”
At this point, this is the best news to come of it, but you have to hope a deal gets done sooner than later. Dallas Stars training camp begins September 22 and under new coach Pete DeBoer it’s important to have all the pieces together.
