What Would It Take for Penguins to Acquire Jason Robertson?
p/c: Robert Edwards In terms of young, rising superstars in hockey, Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson is certainly in the elite category.
This season, Robertson put up spectacular numbers again, as he registered 45 goals. It’s his third career 40-goal campaign.
Only seven seasons into his NHL career, Robertson is already closing in on 500 points with 490.
In October of 2022, the Stars inked Robertson to a four-year extension for $31 million ($7.75M AAV).
As Robertson prepares to become a restricted free agent this summer, he’ll get a substantial raise from his $7.75M AAV - most projecting $10-12M.
Dallas heads into the offseason with a tight budget, leading to plenty of speculation of a Robertson trade.
Obviously, there will be several teams inquiring on Robertson. Would the Pittsburgh Penguins be among them?
The Penguins were one of the biggest surprise stories in the NHL this season - a team that compiled 98 points under first-year head coach Dan Muse, who is a finalist for the Jack Adams Award.
Pittsburgh enters the offseason in a great spot with their cap space. Even with the re-signing of Evgeni Malkin this week, the cap is roughly $35 million. If Kyle Dubas chose to place his foot on the gas, in pursuit of Robertson, what would a potential trade proposal look like?
The Stars would likely search for a package that includes a first round pick, a Top 6 forward with a track record, and a top prospect. So here’s what the Pens could offer for Robertson.
2026 first round pick
2026 second round pick (from Winnipeg)
Bryan Rust
Ben Kindel
A first round pick would clearly be a given. Rust is a proven Top 6 winger coming off seven straight seasons of 20+ goals. Kindel made an immediate impact in Pittsburgh; scoring 17 goals, which were the most by a Penguins rookie since Jordan Staal in 2006-07. In a way to sweeten the deal, they could an include a ‘26 second round pick that belonged to Winnipeg, and a better pick, because of the Jets finishing with less points.
While it may be an unlikely scenario, a Penguins top line of Robertson, Sidney Crosby, and Rickard Rakell would be one to really dream on.