October 12, 2024, Dallas, Texas, United States: Jason Robertson 21is seen during the NHL, Eishockey Herren, USA match between the Dallas Stars and the New York Islanders at American Airlines Center. Dallas Stars defeats Minnesota Wild 3-0. on October 12, 2024 in Dallas, Texas, United States. Dallas United States - ZUMAe321 20241012_zsa_e321_033 Copyright: xJavierxVicenciox/xEyepixxGroupx
October 12, 2024, Dallas, Texas, United States: Jason Robertson 21is seen during the NHL, Eishockey Herren, USA match between the Dallas Stars and the New York Islanders at American Airlines Center. Dallas Stars defeats Minnesota Wild 3-0. on October 12, 2024 in Dallas, Texas, United States. Dallas United States - ZUMAe321 20241012_zsa_e321_033 Copyright: xJavierxVicenciox/xEyepixxGroupx
With the arbitration hearings scheduled for July 20 to August 1, Dallas Stars left-wing Jason Robertson and Philadelphia Flyers center Trevor Zegras made it to the list.
Compared to last year's 11 and 2024’s 14 RFAs, the number this year has gone up to 15. Both Robertson and Zegras fall into the list of players who have made themselves ineligible to sign any offer sheet from another club to elect arbitration.
To clarify, an arbitration hearing is a process to settle a contract dispute between a player and the team. Both Robertson and Zegras are on the hearing portal because the negotiations with their respective teams were going nowhere.
December 18, 2024, Dallas, Texas, USA: Dallas, Texas, USA: Dallas left wing Jason Robertson 21 in action against his brother, Toronto left wing Nicholas Robertson 89 during the National Hockey League game between the Dallas Stars and the Toronto Maple Leafs played at the American Airlines Center on Wednesday December 18, 2024. Final score Dallas 3, Toronto 5. Dallas USA - ZUMAv131 20241218_znp_v131_010 Copyright: xJavierxVicenciox
December 18, 2024, Dallas, Texas, USA: Dallas, Texas, USA: Dallas left wing Jason Robertson 21 in action against his brother, Toronto left wing Nicholas Robertson 89 during the National Hockey League game between the Dallas Stars and the Toronto Maple Leafs played at the American Airlines Center on Wednesday December 18, 2024. Final score Dallas 3, Toronto 5. Dallas USA - ZUMAv131 20241218_znp_v131_010 Copyright: xJavierxVicenciox
Robertson closed his season with 45 goals and 96 points across 82 regular-season games. The 26-year-old didn’t sign any extension with the Stars after his 4-year, $7.75M AAV contract. Reportedly, he also rejected an 8-year, $15M AAV sign-and-trade with the Seattle Kraken, according to TSN.
After a career-high 26 goals and 67 points season, Zegras is also looking for a longer, richer deal with the Flyers than the 3-year, $5.75 AAV contract he was on.
Per Daily Faceoff's NHL insider, Anthony Di Marco, a long-term (preferably 8-year) contract ranging from $7.5-8.5M would be ideal for him.
But despite the nearing date, will they actually follow up on the hearing?
How Arbitration Hearings Mostly Conclude
Last year, among 11 RFAs who filed for salary arbitration, none showed up for the actual hearing. The same happened with the 14 players who signed up in 2024. Historically, players and teams settle disputes before actually reaching a hearing.
Mainly because 3rd-party involvement fortifies the team’s rights to call a number and determines the player’s worth. More often, the hearing strains the relationship between the team and the players, as both parties have to argue their sides.
Per PuckPedia, the awarded salary is a 1- or 2-year contract. Either the team match the number, or they walk away from the case entirely, letting the player be an unrestricted free agent immediately and free to sign with any team.
Given their stellar seasons, both Robertson and Zegras will most likely receive raises, especially Robertson. If anything, Dallas wouldn’t want to part ways with this 26-year-old. High chances that deals will come through before the hearing.
But what will they be like? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Deblina Roy