Dallas Stars could be forced into a contract showdown with their young stars

The Dallas Stars enter the 2025-26 season facing major contract questions, with Jason Robertson, Thomas Harley, Nils Lundkvist, and Mavrik Bourque all needing new deals in what could become drawn-out restricted free agent negotiations.

With cap space already tight, Dallas must navigate extensions for four key players: Jason Robertson, Thomas Harley, Nils Lundkvist, and Mavrik Bourque.

Each is due for a raise, and for Robertson and Harley in particular, the next deals could define the team's long-term cap structure.

Why Jason Robertson and Thomas Harley are the biggest contract challenges

Robertson's future remains the most complicated storyline. His current deal pays him $7.75 million annually, signed after a tense standoff before the 2022-23 season. He has since put up strong numbers, though not at the record-setting pace of his first season. As one NHL insider noted,

"The question for Dallas isn't just how much Robertson will get, but whether he can still be the player who justifies a true franchise deal."

Harley, meanwhile, has blossomed into one of Dallas's most important blueliners. Over the past two seasons, he has produced 97 points while carrying heavy defensive minutes, especially in Miro Heiskanen's absence. A significant raise is inevitable, and it may put pressure on Jim Nill to find creative solutions.

As The Hockey News reported, negotiations with Robertson or Harley could easily drag out, with both sides pushing for leverage.

Beyond the stars, Lundkvist and Bourque remain X-factors. Lundkvist looked poised for a breakthrough last season before his injury, and reliable right-shot defensemen rarely come cheap.

Bourque, a former AHL scoring leader, finally has a chance to play in a role that suits his skill set. Analyst Jeff Marek recently told DLLS that he sees Bourque as: "a bona fide NHLer" who could break out this year. This would be another scenario that would force Nill to open the checkbook.

Personally, I think this offseason will test Nill's reputation as a contract "wizard."

The balance between rewarding proven players and keeping flexibility is razor thin, and one misstep could ripple through Dallas's Cup window.