​There have been plenty of storylines to watch this off-season in the National Hockey League, and after an eventful draft, some surprising trades, and a busy free-agent period, anything seems possible at this point. The action isn’t done yet, and with two days left for the Anaheim Ducks to decide whether to match the offer sheet for Leo Carlsson, the coming days could bring even more upheaval. Another major thread this summer has been the future of Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson, and now those two narratives could intertwine in interesting ways.
Anaheim Ducks Linked to Jason Robertson Getty Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars. While many believed Robertson might have faced an offer sheet this summer, he submitted for arbitration, which makes him ineligible to sign an offer sheet. If he and the Stars cannot reach a long-term agreement, he will likely sign a one-year contract that would push him into free agency next offseason. At present, that scenario appears to be the most probable, especially since any potential trade chatter surrounding the star winger has cooled as Robertson has rejected long-term deals. Dallas would likely want maximum value in return for him, so it makes sense to explore asset-rich options if a deal becomes feasible.
One team that remains connected to Robertson is the Ducks, according to Jeff Marek on the latest episode of The Sheet. Anaheim has long been linked to Robertson and could still pursue him. Given that Robertson produced 45 goals and 96 points over 82 games last season, it’s understandable why Anaheim would be interested. It remains unclear whether he would sign long-term with them, but with no contract in place for the Stars, pursuing Robertson could be a worthwhile gamble for the Ducks.
Could Jason Robertson Be a Backup Plan if Leo Carlsson Isn’t Kept? If Anaheim uses the offer sheet match to Carlsson’s $18 million AAV from the Flyers, they would find it difficult to add Robertson while also keeping Cutter Gauthier long-term. However, if they choose not to match, Anaheim would gain four additional first-round picks and ample salary-cap space. In that scenario, Robertson could become a long-term fit as a top winger, while the Ducks look to address center depth by targeting someone like Shane Wright in Seattle or seeking another center option to rebuild around. Of course, everything depends on Carlsson’s status, with a decision expected within the next 48 hours from Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek. If Carlsson isn’t matched, expect Anaheim to pivot quickly and revisit their interest in Robertson.
As this drama unfolds, Robertson remains a central figure in a potential reshaping of the Ducks’ lineup and the Stars’ plans for the near future, with both teams weighing their options as negotiations and decisions play out over the coming days.