In a challenging week for Dallas Stars fans, the team faced an early exit from the Western Conference Final for the third consecutive year, succumbing to the Edmonton Oilers in five games. This defeat proved particularly difficult as it echoed their previous year's playoff elimination. Compounding the disappointment was the decision by head coach Pete DeBoer to pull goaltender Jake Oettinger just minutes into the final game, placing additional scrutiny on his coaching choices and the overall performance of the team. With these developments lingering, the Stars now find themselves contemplating the future of their star winger, Jason Robertson, as speculation arises around the potential for a trade.

Jeff Marek raised the possibility of trading Robertson in a recent blog piece published on Daily Faceoff. As the 25-year-old winger enters the final year of his contract, this scenario gains traction. Robertson’s current cap hit of $7.75 million is seen as reasonable, particularly as the Stars are expected to be tight against the salary cap, estimated to rise to $95.5 million in the upcoming season. According to PuckPedia, the Stars have already committed $90.5 million for the next year, highlighting the necessity for strategic modifications to enhance their playoff prospects. This situation prompts a consideration of potential trade partners who could offer viable options that align with the Stars' needs and assets.

One team that Marek identified as a possible destination for Robertson is the Anaheim Ducks, and this consideration has merit for several reasons. Firstly, the Ducks possess ample cap space, making it feasible to accommodate Robertson's $7.75 million cap hit while also leaving room for potential contract extensions going forward. Moreover, the Ducks appear to be on an upward trajectory following their surprising push for a wild-card spot last season, fueled by a roster brimming with young talent. Acquiring Robertson, who turns 26 in July, could bolster their forward lineup alongside players such as Troy Terry, Trevor Zegras, and Leo Carlsson. The Ducks also have a wealth of young defensive assets, such as Olen Zellweger, Jackson LaCombe, and Pavel Mintyukov, which could assist the Stars in addressing their defensive needs, ideally looking for a right-handed defenseman to strengthen their blue line.

Another team that may not initially come to mind as a potential suitor for Robertson is the Ottawa Senators. However, as Marek noted, the Senators are in a position to make such a significant addition, especially with new ownership under Michael Andlauer initiating a return to the postseason. General Manager Steve Staios is likely keen to maintain this momentum in what is expected to be a competitive Atlantic Division. While the Senators would face challenges in terms of depth on defense, they could still offer a compelling roster to entice the Stars. Including Robertson would drastically enhance the Senators' forward group, creating an impressive top-six with players like Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stützle, and Dylan Cozens. However, parting with any blueliner could pose a significant dilemma given their current defensive depth and limited draft capital, which has only recently been replenished after previous trades.

The consideration of a trade within the Western Conference also raises eyebrows, particularly regarding the Calgary Flames. Though the Stars may be hesitant to trade Robertson to a rival, the Flames could present an appealing scenario, offering a dynamic forward to complement their offensive lineup. The potential synergy with players like Jonathan Huberdeau, Nazem Kadri, and Matt Coronato could significantly impact the Flames' scoring ability. Furthermore, Calgary possesses defensemen such as MacKenzie Weegar or Rasmus Andersson, which could facilitate a trade. An Andersson-Robertson swap could be mutually beneficial, with both players entering the final year of their contracts, addressing the Flames' need for scoring while allowing the Stars to fortify their defensive core and save over $3 million against the cap.

The Buffalo Sabres also emerge as a candidate for a Robertson trade, albeit under different circumstances compared to previous years. Historically viewed as an enticing option due to their wealth of prospects and draft picks, the Sabres now face questions regarding their current roster. Restricted free agents like J.J. Peterka and Bo Byram might be leveraged in a potential trade, with the 2025 draft's No. 9 pick potentially entering the discussion. Securing Robertson would significantly enhance the Sabres' scoring and defensive capabilities, potentially breaking their playoff drought, which has lingered since 2011. Trading for Byram could provide the Stars with a defenseman whose development parallels that of their own aspirations, while offering Peterka would bring a younger, cost-effective forward to bolster their scoring depth.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are also an intriguing scenario, particularly if they allow superstar Mitch Marner to depart in free agency. Marner's absence would create a substantial void, making a trade for Robertson a compelling alternative. The Leafs could theoretically pursue both options—re-signing Marner and acquiring Robertson—provided they navigate the complexities surrounding Captain John Tavares’ contract negotiations. However, the Maple Leafs face challenges concerning their lack of top prospects and absence of first-round picks for the next few seasons, which complicates potential trade discussions. Despite the hurdles, securing Robertson could provide a transformative boost that would reignite conversations regarding their playoff ambitions.

On Long Island, the New York Islanders face a similar dilemma, marked by a significant void in scoring talent. New General Manager Mathieu Darche may view an acquisition of Jason Robertson as a pivotal move to establish a winning culture. The most viable trade scenarios for the Islanders would likely involve dealing restricted free agent defenseman Noah Dobson, whose potential presence alongside the likes of Miro Heiskanen and Thomas Harley would strengthen the Stars’ blue line. Adding Robertson to the Islanders' offensive depth that includes Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat would amplify their scoring potential and instill a renewed sense of optimism among fans, particularly amid recent seasons that have disappointed.

The Detroit Red Wings require urgent action to end their nine-year playoff drought, placing pressure on General Manager Steve Yzerman to affect change. The Red Wings displayed promise during the regular season, yet it has proven insufficient to secure a playoff spot. A trade for Robertson could signify a bold declaration of intent, signaling the team's commitment to returning to contention. With a Montreal Canadiens, Florida Panthers, and Toronto Maple Leafs-style shuffle in the mix, adding a premium talent like Robertson could complement the existing core of Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat, and Lucas Raymond, presenting a formidable offensive unit for future campaigns.

The final consideration is for the Carolina Hurricanes, who have expressed interest in acquiring a top-tier winger to bolster their scoring capacity. After previously attempting to secure Mikko Rantanen from Colorado, only to ultimately trade him to Dallas, the Canes' need for an elite scoring forward remains apparent. The possibility of rekindling discussions with the Stars for Robertson presents an opportunity for Carolina to strengthen their lineup. A deal could also help rectify previous decisions while positioning them competitively in their division. Should the Hurricanes pursue Robertson, they could also sign him to a long-term extension, aligning with their ambitions moving forward. With ongoing developments in the NHL, the landscape remains fluid, and Jason Robertson's future could play a pivotal role in shaping the Stars' strategy and the trajectory of several franchises.