The recent playoff performance of the Dallas Stars has left fans with mixed emotions. For the third consecutive season, the Stars were eliminated from the Western Conference Final, this time by the Edmonton Oilers, a familiar adversary that also ousted them last year. Compounding the disappointment was the controversial decision by head coach Pete DeBoer to pull goaltender Jake Oettinger early in the final game, leading to scrutiny of the coaching staff's tactics. As the team reflects on its postseason shortcomings, discussions are now turning to potential roster changes, including the future of superstar winger Jason Robertson.

In a recent blog post for Daily Faceoff, analyst Jeff Marek suggested the idea of trading Robertson, who is entering the final year of his contract with a manageable cap hit of $7.75 million. With the salary cap expected to rise to $95.5 million next season, the Stars are faced with significant financial commitments, reportedly at $90.5 million for next year. This financial pressure, coupled with the need for roster adjustments highlighted by their early playoff exit, raises the question of whether moving Robertson might be in the team's best interest.

One potential trade partner mentioned by Marek is the Anaheim Ducks, who are in a position to accommodate Robertson's contract. The Ducks possess ample cap space to not only absorb the $7.75 million but also to negotiate a contract extension for Robertson beyond next year. The Ducks have shown promise by entering the wild-card race this past season, bolstered by an array of young talent such as Troy Terry, Trevor Zegras, and Leo Carlsson. Acquiring Robertson, who turns 26 in July, would enhance their forward depth significantly. Additionally, the Ducks have a wealth of young defensemen in their system, such as Olen Zellweger and Jackson LaCombe, which could facilitate a trade aimed at meeting the Stars’ defensive needs.

Another team to watch in this potential trading scenario is the Ottawa Senators. Under new ownership and leadership, the Senators recently returned to the postseason and are looking to build on that success. General Manager Steve Staios aims to keep pace with competitors in the Atlantic Division, and adding a player of Robertson's caliber could bolster their offensive capabilities. Incorporating Robertson into a forward group that includes Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stützle, Dylan Cozens, and Drake Batherson would greatly enhance their scoring potential. However, the Senators face challenges regarding defensive depth, making any trade involving their blueliners a complex decision.

The Calgary Flames present another intriguing option for the Stars. In need of a star forward to support their playoff aspirations, the Flames could benefit significantly from acquiring Robertson. A potential trade could involve defensemen like MacKenzie Weegar or Rasmus Andersson, which would align with both teams’ needs. Such a trade could see Robertson paired with established forwards like Jonathan Huberdeau and Nazem Kadri, creating an imposing top-six unit. Moreover, this move could ease Dallas's salary cap concerns while providing Calgary with a dynamic offensive weapon.

The Buffalo Sabres, traditionally viewed as strong trade candidates due to their extensive prospect pool, are taking a different approach. Instead of relying solely on their prospects, they are examining several roster players, including restricted free agents like JJ Peterka and Bo Byram, as potential trade assets. The Sabres also hold the No. 9 pick in the upcoming draft, adding another layer to their trading strategy. Bringing Robertson to Buffalo would address their scoring issues and could mark a significant step towards ending their playoff drought. The acquisition of Byram would not only upgrade the Stars' defense but also introduce a player familiar with the competitive Central Division.

The Toronto Maple Leafs might also explore a trade for Robertson, especially if forward Mitch Marner departs in free agency. While trading for Robertson could seem like a logical replacement for Marner, the Maple Leafs face obstacles due to a lack of high-end prospects and limited draft capital. The next few months will involve critical decisions regarding their star players and could pave the way for innovative trade solutions.

The New York Islanders are in a unique position with their new general manager, Mathieu Darche, facing the challenge of enhancing their offensive talent. One route to achieve this could involve trading RFA defenseman Noah Dobson. Should the Islanders acquire Robertson, they would immediately improve their scoring options with elite forwards like Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat. By shipping out Dobson, the Stars would gain a right-handed defenseman who could bolster their blue-line alongside Miro Heiskanen.

Finally, the Detroit Red Wings are motivated to break their nine-year playoff drought and could view a trade for Robertson as a potential game-changer. With a roster featuring talents like Dylan Larkin and Alex DeBrincat, adding Robertson could create a formidable offensive front. The Red Wings have the prospects and draft assets to engage in a meaningful trade, and acquiring such a high-caliber player would send a message about their ambitions moving forward.

As the offseason unfolds, the Dallas Stars are faced with pivotal decisions that could shape their future. Trading a player of Jason Robertson's talent is not a light decision, but as the analytical discussions move forward, the various trade scenarios present an intriguing array of possibilities that could benefit multiple franchises.