Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill is hopeful Jason Robertson's new one-year, $12-million contract paves the way for a long-term extension.
The two sides avoided arbitration by agreeing on a deal Tuesday. Robertson is eligible to sign an extension for as many as seven years beginning Jan. 1, 2027. If no deal is ultimately reached, Robertson will hit unrestricted free agency next July.
"We want to make this work," Nill said Wednesday, per team reporter Brien Rea.
Nill added, "It was clear he wanted to be a Dallas Star. We looked at all scenarios, short term and long term."
Robertson, who earned a bargain $7.75 million each of the past four seasons, is now tied with Mikko Rantanen as the Stars' highest-paid player. Dallas is currently $1.4 million over the salary cap, according to PuckPedia. However, the team doesn't need to be compliant until the eve of the regular season.
Earlier this offseason, Robertson reportedly rejected a sign-and-trade with the Seattle Kraken that would have paid him $15 million per season on an eight-year contract.
The 27-year-old is one of the NHL's top two-way wingers and a three-time 40-goal scorer. He led the Stars with 96 points last season and added eight points in six playoff games as Dallas bowed out in the first round against the Minnesota Wild.
Robertson's new cap hit is tied for ninth highest in the NHL. His next contract could be even more lucrative if he continues to produce as one of the league's top scorers.
"This is his opportunity to earn what he thinks the market is, and I've got to run the business on my side," Nill said.
