One of the biggest stories heading into 2026 NHL Free Agency is what will happen with restricted free agent Jason Robertson. His four-year, $31 million contract, which carried an AAV of $7.750 million, expired on June 30. From that date, he was eligible to sign an offer sheet to other teams around the NHL.
Jason Robertson’s Long Term Drags On, Offer Sheet Threat Grows
However, all eyes were on July 5, which was the last day a player could file for a settlement, and the team could file a claim on July 6. The offer option will be off the table as Robertson files for arbitration before the 5pm deadline on Sunday.
According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, all indications point to Robertson doing this, making him ineligible to be approached by other teams with an offer sheet.
Robertson has indicated that he will file for arbitration, which will also eliminate the possibility of his sheet being served
5 ET is the official deadline. If eligible players don’t go this route, teams have until tomorrow to decide whether to go
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 5, 2026
However, that doesn’t mean teams haven’t talked to Robertson and his camp about an offer sheet. According to Dave Pagnotta of Fourth Period on TFP Hotstove on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio, teams approached Robertson with an offer sheet, but over the weekend, there was no agreement in contract talks.
“Yes, the teams approached his camp about the offer papers, whether he was willing to accept one or not, I’m not sure, but there was no agreement to be made this weekend about a new contract for the two, even if something happened today (Saturday), I don’t know. I’m happy with this, how the Robertson situation continues.”
Jason Robertson’s Contract Status Is Really Tricky
It is clear that since Robertson did not sign the offer sheet, he wants to stay in Dallas. It is also clear that Robertson wants to be part of a winning team.
We know that before the 2026 NHL Draft, Robertson rejected an eight-year offer from the Seattle Kraken, somewhere between $120 million and $125 million, and the total salary reached between $15 million and $15.625 million. His clear preference is to stay with the Dallas Stars. Stars General Manager Jim Nill prefers to keep Jason Robertson, but on his terms.
This has been an ongoing battle between the Stars and Robertson since last season. Nill doesn’t want to exceed Mikko Rantanen’s $12 million AAV. The Stars offered Robertson a contract for Rantanen, but it was rejected. Robertson wants $14 million in AAV similar to what Leon Draisaitl got in Edmonton.
How Can The Dallas Stars Extend Jason Robertson?
Although a trade is out of the question, since Dallas can simply trade Robertson to any team, and then that team takes the risk of signing him, the goal is to keep Robertson with the Stars. Filing for arbitration gives Nill and Robertson’s representative, Andy Scott, more time to negotiate a settlement before the hearing.
These arbitration talks can get ugly, and the best-case scenario is that Robertson gets a one-year deal, but feelings are hurt. Just look at what happened in the past between the Montreal Canadiens and PK Subban, and more recently, the Boston Bruins and Jeremy Swayman.
But Jim Nill insisted he wants Jason Robertson to be a part of the Dallas Stars organization moving forward. Nill sees him as part of a team that can help bring the Stanley Cup back to Dallas. Both parties must reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
Remember, Robertson is still eligible for an eight-year extension. After September 15, he can sign a seven-year deal to stay with the Stars. If he reaches unrestricted free agency, the longest contract length he can sign is six years with another team. The way it is structured according to the bonus changes, too.
It will be interesting to see how this situation plays out. Jason Robertson is risking everything on a one-year contract if it reaches a hearing. But the message is clear, he wants to be in winning games otherwise he would take the money and run for another team right now.
We had to restart our X account. Please follow @MyNHLRumorsX
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? Rumors and hot topics from around the league. We also post some stuff on Instagram.
If you like our reporting, choose NHLrumors.com as a favorite source on Google.
