The Dallas Stars are in a tricky situation. They need salary cap space, and their star player, Jason Robertson, is a key factor in this dilemma. Robertson has been on fire, averaging 40 goals per season over the last five years and scoring nine goals among 12 points in the playoffs. He's the kind of player any team would want, and the Stars have two options: re-sign him or trade him.
Personally, I think the Stars should re-sign Robertson long-term. However, if they decide to trade him, it's important to consider the players they could potentially trade. The article mentions several players without full trade protection, but I want to focus on one: Jake Oettinger.
What makes Oettinger interesting is his no-move clause, which doesn't kick in until July 1 of this year. This means the Stars have some time to make a decision. Oettinger's value is an intriguing point of discussion. While he's a talented player, his no-move clause and the team's success make him a less likely candidate for a trade.
The article also mentions the potential trade of Robertson for established players like Brady Tkachuk, Dylan Larkin, William Nylander, or Robert Thomas. However, these trades are risky, as teams are hesitant to give up established players for a potential replacement. The Stars would need to offer extra assets to make these deals work.
Another option is trading Robertson for a package similar to what Carolina got for Mikko Rantanen, including draft capital and a younger player with upside. However, finding a player who can replace Robertson's value is challenging, as younger players like Matthew Knies and Mason McTavish don't come close.
In my opinion, the Stars should focus on re-signing Robertson, as he's a key part of their success. Trading him should be a last resort, and even then, it's important to consider the potential risks and rewards. The team's goal is to win a championship, and Robertson is a crucial piece of that puzzle.
