Kyle Dubas isn’t looking to sit this one out. The Penguins, coming off a playoff series loss to the Flyers that stung more than most, are reportedly circling Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson as a prime offseason target. And here’s the thing: they’ve got the cap space to actually make it work.
According to The Fourth Period, Pittsburgh has been in contact regarding Robertson, who’s coming off a 96-point regular season. The Stars, meanwhile, are still trying to hammer out an extension with their star winger. Talks have reportedly gone back and forth, but nothing’s settled yet.
Robertson (he’s 26, in case you forgot) has spent his whole career in Dallas. 490 career regular season points, 62 playoff games, and a game built on that rare combination of size and touch around the net. He’d slot right into the Penguins’ top six and give them a genuine scoring threat on the wing — something they’ve needed more of as the core guys get older.
And that’s really the clock ticking here. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin aren’t getting any younger. Malkin just signed a one-year extension, which is basically Dubas saying: we’re going for it right now. Adding Robertson would be the kind of swing that signals they mean it.
Dallas is in a tricky spot though. They’ve got their own ambitions after a first-round exit to the Wild. Robertson put up eight points in that series, so the talent is clearly there. But contract negotiations with restricted free agents can get messy, especially once other teams start poking around. And teams can start talking to RFAs as of tomorrow, according to reports.
Pittsburgh also made a smaller move this week, swapping defenseman Jack St. Ivany to Winnipeg for forward David Gustafsson. That’s more of a depth play, but it frees up a little more roster flexibility. The real action — if Robertson becomes available — would be on a completely different level.
It’s hard to see Dallas letting him walk without a fight. But Dubas has shown he’s willing to get aggressive. The Penguins have the cap room, the need, and the motivation. Whether Dallas actually moves Robertson is the big question. But if they do, Pittsburgh is standing right there with their hand up.
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