Analyst reveals way-too-early predictions on Dallas Stars trade candidates for 2025-26 season

The Dallas Stars are entering the 2025-26 season coming off three straight trips to the Western Conference Final, an impressive run matched only by powerhouse teams like the Chicago Blackhawks and Los Angeles Kings in the 2010s.

But success always comes at a cost.

The Stars already had to trade away Mason Marchment and Matt Dumba this summer to create cap space, sending Marchment to the Seattle Kraken and Dumba to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Now, analysts believe more moves may be on the horizon, with two players in particular standing out as way-too-early trade candidates.

Jason Robertson and Ilya Lyubushkin emerge as names to watch in Dallas Stars trade chatter

According to ClutchPoints, which recently highlighted potential Dallas trade scenarios, Jason Robertson is a name that simply won't escape the rumor mill.
The 25-year-old winger is signed through this season, but he is due a massive raise as a restricted free agent in 2026, especially with Thomas Harley also set for a new deal.

That leaves Dallas in a financ ial bind.

"Dallas certainly wants to keep Robertson around. However, they may not be able to afford the pay rise he will almost certainly command,"

The reality is that even if the Stars don't want to move Robertson, they will be forced to listen to offers if the cap crunch worsens.

The other name making noise is defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin.

He had a shaky 2024-25 season but still holds value as a veteran defender.

If Dallas needs room to keep Robertson, Lyubushkin could easily become a cap dump.

As Pro Hockey Rumors noted, the Stars are already comfortable making tough trades if it keeps their Cup window open.

I believe this storyline will follow Dallas all season, and Robertson's situation in particular might shape the team's entire future.