Jason Robertson trade options for the Dallas Stars in 2026

Two trade paths under consideration

Robert Tiffin of Stars Thoughts outlined two distinct strategies the Stars might pursue if a trade becomes necessary. The first involves swapping Robertson for a comparable established player who could slot directly into the lineup. Names floated in such scenarios include Brady Tkachuk, Dylan Larkin, William Nylander, or Robert Thomas. Acquiring any of these players would likely require the Stars to add sweeteners, given the premium value placed on Robertson’s scoring touch and two-way play.

The second option draws inspiration from the Mikko Rantanen trade. Dallas could target a young player with upside along with draft picks. While this route offers more long-term flexibility, it poses challenges for a win-now roster. Prospects such as Matthew Knies or Mason McTavish would not immediately replace Robertson’s production, leaving the Stars thinner in the short term.

• Established player swap: Focuses on immediate impact but requires overpaying in assets.
• Prospect-and-picks package: Builds for the future yet risks reducing contention window.

Minnesota Wild’s interest in top forwards

Any potential trade involving Robertson could intersect with other teams’ needs, particularly the Minnesota Wild. The Wild are actively seeking top-six centers and wingers this offseason without parting with core pieces like Brock Faber, Matt Boldy, or Kirill Kaprizov. Their trade assets include goaltender Jesper Wallstedt, prospect Danila Yurov, and several mid-tier forwards such as Bobby Brink and Daemon Hunt.

The Wild hold several players with no-trade clauses, including Ryan Hartman, Joel Eriksson Ek, and Jared Spurgeon. Marcus Foligno and Jake Middleton carry modified no-move clauses that take full effect after July 1. Meanwhile, Jonas Brodin, Nico Sturm, and Yakov Trenin remain unprotected and could be moved more freely.

Michael Russo and Joe Smith of The Athletic highlighted potential targets that could interest Minnesota in a blockbuster deal. Auston Matthews of the Maple Leafs stands out if Toronto seeks a high-end return. Reuniting the Hughes brothers by acquiring Jack Hughes from the Devils has also been discussed internally, though New Jersey’s new front office appears reluctant to move the star center. Dylan Larkin of the Red Wings and Robert Thomas of the Blues represent other realistic options, each carrying multi-year deals at cap-friendly rates.

Forward-looking implications

Should the Stars decide to move Robertson, the return would shape both teams’ trajectories for years. A deal centered on established talent could accelerate contention, while a prospect-heavy package might reset the timeline. For the Wild, landing a player of Robertson’s caliber would address their center depth issues and elevate their playoff aspirations.

The coming weeks will prove critical as both clubs navigate free agency and the draft. Dallas must weigh short-term pain against long-term gain, while Minnesota continues to call around for the right fit. One thing remains clear: Robertson’s future will influence the entire Western Conference landscape heading into the 2026-27 season.