Jason Robertson's future with the Dallas Stars is facing uncertainty as he enters the final year of his current contract. The 26-year-old winger has established himself as a consistent scorer since joining the NHL in 2020. However, the Stars' salary cap situation and the recent acquisition of Mikko Rantanen have complicated negotiations for a contract extension.

Robertson is currently signed to a four-year, $31 million contract with an annual cap hit of $7.75 million. This contract expires at the end of the 2025-26 season, making him a restricted free agent. His next contract is expected to be significantly larger, reflecting his consistent offensive production. He has recorded back-to-back 80-point seasons and a career-best 109-point campaign in 2023.

The Stars' acquisition of Mikko Rantanen has introduced a new dynamic to the contract negotiations. Rantanen's eight-year, $96 million contract, with an average annual value of $12 million, is now viewed as an internal ceiling for forward salaries in Dallas. Insider Jeff Marek has suggested that the Stars will try to keep Robertson's next contract below that $12 million mark.

Dallas enters the 2025-26 season with a strong roster and a "win-now" mentality. However, their current cap situation is tight. Spotrac.com indicates that the Stars have $405,083 in cap space with total cap allocations of $94,726,667, while Puckpedia projects a cap space of $405,084 and a cap hit of $95,094,916. The salary cap maximum is $95.5 million. This leaves limited room to maneuver when negotiating with Robertson and other players needing new contracts.

Several factors could influence the outcome of Robertson's contract situation. His performance in the upcoming season will be crucial. If he continues to produce at a high level, his value will only increase. The Stars' success in the playoffs will also play a role. Another early exit could increase the pressure to free up cap space, potentially making it more difficult to re-sign Robertson.

Despite the challenges, most observers believe the Stars will do everything possible to keep Robertson long-term. He is considered a key player in their Stanley Cup window, and his offensive skills are difficult to replace. However, if the two sides remain far apart, a trade could become a possibility. Jeff Marek doesn't believe that the Stars' General Manager, Jim Nill, will allow Robertson to play out the year and walk.

Several potential contract scenarios could play out. The Stars could offer Robertson a long-term deal below the $12 million ceiling set by Rantanen's contract. Another option would be a shorter "bridge" deal, potentially in the $7 million range, providing short-term cap flexibility. Ultimately, the negotiation will depend on Robertson's demands and the Stars' willingness to adjust their internal salary structure.