17 Comments
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Kenneth Gardner's avatar

For me, the biggest value that Jason Robertson brings to any team is not just his talent and elite scoring ability, but above all his hockey intelligence and work ethic. You can’t replace either one in any trade. He is a constant example to the rest of the team of how they should be as professional hockey players, something that the Stars lost in part when Joe Pavelski retired. He is the team’s Joe Pavelski, but even better.

Robert Tiffin's avatar

You’re not wrong!

Michael R's avatar

Robertson isn't close in caliber to either Parsons or Doncec, or Marner / Rantenan either. Can't equate this to those deals at all IMHO. The teams that make smart decisions on these high (not top) end players are more successful than not. If Robo insists on Rantenan / Marner money they'll need to move on with the best deal they can get.

Robert Tiffin's avatar

The gap between Robertson and Rantanen will likely be the big point of contention for extension talks, yes. Where would you draw the line? 10? 11?

Michael R's avatar

I'm thinking he's 9 to 10

Robert Tiffin's avatar

I don’t see that getting it done. We shall see.

Logan Alder's avatar

Do you see him being offer-sheeted in restricted free agency-I wonder what it’d take for the Stars not to match?

Robert Tiffin's avatar

Nah. They'd trade him before risking that.

Logan Alder's avatar

I think the extension will get done.

Robert Tiffin's avatar

It is the path of least resistance.

PhilT's avatar

I agree that Robo is not the caliber of those guys and doesn't deserve Rantenan/Marner money. But, if he gets traded it will be nearly as tough on Stars fans as the Parsons and Doncic trades. He was drafted and came up in the Stars system, he's a great guy in the community, he's a great scorer and beloved by Stars fans.. So it would be a major deal to Stars fans.

Tyler Flynn's avatar

Great perspective, Robert! Special shout-out to the Cowboys/Wild take hidden inside an Excel formula.

Robert Tiffin's avatar

The location of all the best jokes, of course.

CScotty's avatar

Because of his work ethic/positive attitude you have to give him the benefit of the doubt, because when healthy the Stars get one of the top 20 scorers (potentially) in the league… points they will not be able to replace!

Some guys you look at and, ego or personality wise as a fan you just don’t care that much… stay or go.

Robo’s enthusiasm, creativity, work ethic, ingratiates him to his teammates and us fans.

Clue to Stars… try REALLY hard to get him signed… 11.5???

Ben Perera's avatar

Thanks for the article Robert, always good to turn the attention to Texas Hockey when the other franchises are making a mess. Does the math actually work in terms of keeping both Harley and Robertson? I’m guessing Harley gets 10.5-11 and if we’re saying Robertson is demanding 11–12 I wonder if it’s actually possible

John Araki's avatar

Scorer-y?? I think Robo should lead with that when it’s time for contract negotiations. “You know Jim, I’m quite scorer-y.” 😂

Dennis OBrien's avatar

If the Stars can get Robertson and Harley on contracts that total $21M (average $10.5M) each next year, it will be tight but workable. I believe Harley will be the more valuable player over time, but being an RFA for several more years, is currently more manageable in cost. Robertson's qualifying offer is $9.3M and he has arbitration rights next year. He will then have one more year (2026-27) of RFA status, after which there are no longer any CBA effects that hold down his value. At the same time, Seguin's $9.8M contract ends in 2026-27, freeing up the Stars for the foreseeable future.

I think the Stars should do whatever it takes to sign Harley to a max years contract, and then use the length of Robertson's contract as the variable to keep the total within $21M. If you can only sign him for 1 year, next contract you will have more financial freedom.