An NHL insider has connected the Pittsburgh Penguins to Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson for weeks. Robertson is now a restricted free agent who’s nearing an arbitration hearing on July 25. 

There are multiple reports online suggesting that Pittsburgh is one of the most realistic landing spots for him if he leaves Dallas.

There were speculations earlier that linked Robertson to the Ottawa Senators. Recent reports have shifted focus to Pittsburgh as the more likely destination.

"The Pens have had interest in him going back to last summer," David Pagnotta said on the Inside Sports podcast on July 13. These words were highlighted in a post on X by @NHLRumourReport.

Robertson is just coming off a great career year. He scored 45 goals and led the season with 96 points. Up to now, Robertson has turned down two known offers. 

He rejected an eight-year deal worth around $15 million annually from the Seattle Kraken. He also declined an offer from the St. Louis Blues, according to Daily Faceoff's Jeff Marek.

The Athletic's Josh Yohe also confirmed that report and mentioned that Stars general manager Jim Nill kept the talks from advancing further. Yohe said Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas genuinely views Robertson as a player with long-term value.

Pittsburgh just acquired Jason's younger brother, Nick, from Toronto on July 1. Then Nick signed his own two-year deal with the Penguins and did not appear for the scheduled arbitration hearing.

Despite three straight playoff misses, Crosby and Malkin remain core anchors. Adding a talented player like Robertson would help the team build itself into a stronger contender.

Dallas Faces a Cap Issue

While money is the main issue for Dallas, they have roughly $10.6 million in cap space. And Robertson is expected to grow up to $14 million per season on his next deal.

If a trade really becomes necessary, there are people online who are already making a list of other teams that could be a better fit for Robertson. One particular list from The Hockey Writers gets more into detail.

The Utah Hockey Club already has a strong core, and adding someone like Robertson would push them further up. Moving JJ Peterka's $7.7 million cap hit could help clear the space needed to fit him in.

The Chicago Blackhawks have enough cap space to sign Robertson long-term. The New Jersey Devils also wanted a good top-six winger for Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier for years. They do have the draft capital to make a serious push for Robertson.

The Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks also make sense for Robertson. He is a California native, and both teams have cap space and a good pool of prospects. 

Despite the rumors and the options, Dallas is clearly not in a rush to lose Robertson. The team is trying its best to keep its leading scorer.

Robertson's future now depends on what happens before the arbitration hearing. Whether he signs with Dallas or ends up somewhere else.

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Written by

Aadhya Nalla

Edited by

Ashvinkumar Patil