Stars have reached $11 million Jason Robertson contract dilemma

Stars have reached $11 million Jason Robertson contract dilemma originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Dallas Stars couldn't keep up with the Minnesota Wild, and so the season has ended earlier than hoped for the NHL's team from Texas.

That now has brought them to a tricky offseason that will involve Jason Robertson and the salary cap.

First, the basic scoop on Robertson: He's a restricted free agent.

The Stars still hold a lot of control over Robertson as an RFA. They can extend him a qualifying offer, which then allows them to match any offer sheet he would potentially receive in free agency from another team.

Given Robertson's importance to the Stars, they will likely try to secure a contract extension for a longer-term length with him, too.

The cap will make things at least a little tricky, though. According to PuckPedia, the Stars have a projected cap space of $11 million.

MORE:Sabres' fans show they can handle 'O Canada' with no microphone help

Robertson made $7 million in 2025-26 and is due for a raise. All of a sudden, there doesn't end up being that much room to improve the rest of the roster.

That could mean Dallas has to be active in the trade market with shrewd moves for cheaper players -- or to trade away one or two other big contracts to free up space to bring in new faces.