Devils linked to Stars’ Jason Robertson blockbuster by insider

The Dallas Stars have a major decision to make regarding Jason Robertson this summer. The star winger is coming off another outstanding campaign, recording 45 goals and 96 points over a full 82-game slate before adding eight points in six playoff contests.

Robertson is due for a new contract as a restricted free agent on July 1 and is expected to command a significant raise from the $7.75 million cap hit he has carried each of the last four seasons.

Although ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reported last week that “all signs point to an extension in Dallas, rather than a trade,” speculation has continued to swirl around Robertson.

One team that could make a significant push, according to The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta, is the New Jersey Devils.

“Does New Jersey and new GM Sunny Mehta take a big swing for Jason Robertson this summer?” the hockey insider wrote. “The Dallas Stars are continuing to search for a legit right-shot defenceman. Maybe there’s one to be had from the Devils in a deal?”

It’s an intriguing idea, especially considering the Devils possess a pair of right-shot defensemen who could interest Dallas in Dougie Hamilton and Simon Nemec. Hamilton remains under contract for two more seasons with a $9 million cap hit.

But Nemec — whose name surfaced in trade speculation earlier this season before those reports were later downplayed — will also be a restricted free agent on July 1. The 22-year-old just completed the best season of his career, recording 26 points in 68 games.

Both Hamilton and Nemec would appear to fit what the Stars are looking for on the back end, although moving a player of Robertson’s caliber still seems unlikely.

Stars general manager Jim Nill will also need to navigate a difficult cap situation. According to PuckPedia, Dallas currently has roughly $10 million in available cap space while also needing to address several other pending free agents.

That group includes longtime captain Jamie Benn and trade deadline acquisition Michael Bunting, among others.

Although Robertson remains expected to sign an extension in Dallas, his contract situation will continue to draw interest from teams around the league over the next month. If the Stars struggle to make the numbers work, teams such as the Devils would undoubtedly be interested.