The Minnesota Wild fanbase was probably hoping that the Dallas Stars and star winger Jason Robertson would go to arbitration this Saturday. Robertson was a restricted free agent, and he and the Stars were unable to reach an agreement on any sort of contract exxtension this offseason. Not to mention, the Stars fielded trade offers for Robertson, in which he vetoed two trades to the St. Louis Blues and Seattle Kraken.
Earlier this week, the Stars and Robertson agreed to terms on a one-year, $12 million contract for this upcoming season. This allows both sides to push talks later in the season, and for Robertson to potentially test free agency. Even though both sides came together to reach an agreement, it doesn't sound like they are on the best of terms. That, of course, is welcome news to Wild fans.
The Fourth Period NHL insider David Pagnotta noted recently that there is some "animosity" between the Stars and Robertson over their contract negotiations this offseason.
Stars, Jason Robertson animosity is music to Wild fans' ears
"He can't sign an extension, or isn't eligible to do it until Jan. 1. But, there's still a little bit of animosity from both sides on this one," said Pagnotta. "Even with the contract getting done, some question marks from the Stars side and some others within the organization, 'well why the heck didn't we get this done a month ago on a one-year, $12 million deal and then expand it from there?' Potentially could have kept Mavrik Bourque in the mix as kind of part of it with some other maneuvering and whatnot.
"I don't think it's calm waters just yet. It has calmed the waters, but there's still some ripples and some waves that are affecting the relationship. Maybe, this is done, things kind of calm down."
Even though the two sides were able to reach that agreement for the upcoming season, it is evident that they need to still work things out. As is the case with contract negotiations, sometimes things get ugly between both parties. That appears to be evident between the Stars and Robertson. They and Stars fans will certainly hope that the two sides can get on the same page.
But Pagnotta mentions that if Robertson has another strong season where he puts up between 90 and 100 points, that could open the door for him to be priced out by the Stars. Let's not forget that Leo Carlsson received the richest contract in NHL history with an $18 million annual salary. So, who's to say a team won't offer a higher annual salary if he does hit free agency?
If the Stars are to lose out on Robertson at some point within the next year, it'd be welcome news for the Wild. It would help them leapfrog ahead of the Stars in the Central Division power rankings. Let's not forget that Minnesota did get the better of Dallas in the playoffs this year. Yes, the Wild still have to figure out a contract extension for star defenseman Quinn Hughes and find a No. 1 center, but they should be in good shape entering this upcoming season.
There was always a chance Robertson could leave Dallas this offseason. But that could very well happen next summer.
Add us as a preferred source on Google