The recent playoff exit for the Dallas Stars has raised significant concerns among the fanbase. For the third consecutive season, the team was eliminated from the Western Conference Final, this time in five games by the Edmonton Oilers, the same franchise that defeated them last year. Adding to the tumultuous week was the decision to pull goaltender Jake Oettinger just minutes into the final game, drawing attention to the coaching decisions made by head coach Pete DeBoer during a critical moment.

As the Stars look towards the future, discussions have emerged regarding the potential trade of superstar winger Jason Robertson. Jeff Marek suggested this idea in a recent post at Daily Faceoff, given that Robertson is entering the final year of his contract next season. With a cap hit of $7.75 million, Robertson's contract is considered affordable, especially as the Stars already face salary cap constraints, with $90.5 million committed for the upcoming season, despite the cap rising to $95.5 million. The team’s early playoff exit underscores the need for adjustments to strengthen their lineup and enhance their chances to advance beyond the Western Conference Final.

One potential destination for Robertson that Marek mentioned is the Anaheim Ducks. This strategy holds merit for several reasons: the Ducks possess ample cap space to accommodate Robertson’s salary and have the capacity to negotiate a contract extension post-trade. Additionally, the Ducks are in a growth phase, as evidenced by their unexpected push into the wild-card race this past season, bolstered by a roster filled with promising young talent. Bringing Robertson, who turns 26 in July, into their forward lineup alongside stars like Troy Terry and Trevor Zegras could provide a significant boost. Moreover, the Ducks have a wealth of defensive prospects, such as Olen Zellweger and Jackson LaCombe, making a potential trade easy to navigate for the Stars, who are likely seeking defensive support.

Another team to consider is the Ottawa Senators, a less conventional option but one indicated by Marek. With new ownership under Michael Andlauer, the Senators made a playoff appearance this year and seek to maintain that momentum in the competitive Atlantic Division. Acquiring Robertson would substantially upgrade their forward group alongside players like Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stützle. However, Ottawa's limited defensive depth complicates potential trade discussions, as they would be hesitant to part with any blueliner due to their scarcity and lack of draft picks after previous trades. Still, Robertson would significantly enhance Ottawa's forward capabilities.

The possibility of trading Robertson within the Western Conference remains an apparent concern for the Stars, yet the Calgary Flames could emerge as a trade partner in pursuit of bolstering their roster. A deal that sends Robertson to Calgary could offer the Flames a star forward poised to contribute offensively and lead a team on the rise. The Flames could offer defensemen like MacKenzie Weegar or Rasmus Andersson, facilitating a mutually beneficial swap. Such a trade would not only provide the Flames with an elite forward but would also deepen the Stars' defensive lineup while saving them over $3 million in cap space.

The Buffalo Sabres have historically been viewed as a strong candidate for making big trades, and that may be the case once again with Robertson. Their strategy may need to pivot from relying on their deep prospect pool to considering roster players who can facilitate a major deal. Restricted free agents, such as JJ Peterka and Bo Byram, could be utilized to entice the Stars in a trade. The Sabres also hold the No. 9 pick in the 2025 draft, adding another layer to their potential bargaining power. Acquiring Robertson would allow Buffalo to add an elite forward capable of driving both scoring and defensive play, a significant upgrade that could potentially bring them back to the playoffs for the first time since 2011.

The Toronto Maple Leafs could find themselves in a precarious situation if star forward Mitch Marner departs via free agency. Should that occur, their focus might shift to acquiring Robertson to fill the void left by Marner. However, the Maple Leafs face significant challenges in such a trade, including a lack of top prospects and not possessing a first-round draft pick for the next three years, heightening the difficulty of creating a deal. Nevertheless, the pursuit of Robertson could hinge on the eventual decisions regarding their current star players.

The New York Islanders, now under the management of new general manager Mathieu Darche, find themselves in need of offensive talent. A successful acquisition of Jason Robertson would mark a significant move, further enhancing their forward depth. To make this trade feasible, the Islanders would likely need to part with restricted free agent defenseman Noah Dobson, whose addition to the Stars' blue line could prove beneficial. Concurrently, the presence of Robertson alongside Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat would inject a valuable offensive element into their roster. Such a significant trade could energize the fanbase and signal a new direction under the new management.

The Detroit Red Wings are also contending with a lengthy playoff drought, seeking solutions to improve their standing. General Manager Steve Yzerman is under pressure to effect meaningful changes, and trading for Robertson could serve as a transformative move. Given the quality of players already on their roster, including Dylan Larkin and Alex DeBrincat, adding Robertson could pose a substantial challenge for opposing defenses. The Red Wings are well-stocked with prospects and draft assets, positioning them as serious contenders in any discussions surrounding a player of Robertson’s caliber.

The Carolina Hurricanes have shown an interest in strengthening their scoring capabilities and have previously sought to add a top-tier winger. Although they attempted to secure Mikko Rantanen from Colorado, the end result did not meet expectations. Given their established connection with the Stars through prior trades, targeting Robertson could present a viable pathway. Carolina’s need for an elite winger aligns with their recent strategies to enhance their offensive lineup, making this potential trade an intriguing option.