The Dallas Stars are in contract negotiations with star winger Jason Robertson, their leading scorer who netted 45 goals and 96 points last season. As he approaches restricted free agency on July 1, the team is also exploring trade options to manage their cap situation, particularly since signing Robertson to a deal similar to Mikko Rantanen's $96 million could exceed their $10.14 million cap space. Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins aim to re-sign top unrestricted free agents Viktor Arvidsson and Andrew Peeke, while the Chicago Blackhawks prioritize securing Bowen Byram, coming off a career-best season with 42 points.

By the Numbers
  • Jason Robertson: 45 goals, 96 points in the 2025-26 season.
  • Bowen Byram: 11 goals, 42 points, both career-highs in the same season.
State of Play
  • The Stars must navigate cap strategies to retain Robertson while considering trade possibilities.
  • The Bruins are actively looking to extend contracts for their top unrestricted free agents, with mutual interest from the players.
  • The Blackhawks aim to secure Byram with a long-term deal, seeing him as a key addition to their defense.
What's Next

The Stars will need to make decisions rapidly regarding Robertson's future, with potential trades on the table if they can't create cap space. The Bruins will likely accelerate negotiations to solidify their roster before free agency, while the Blackhawks are expected to finalize Byram's contract to enhance their defensive lineup.

Bottom Line

Franchise stability hinges on decisive contract management as key players become available. The Stars, Bruins, and Blackhawks all face critical negotiations that could significantly impact team performance in the coming seasons.