NHL Draft 2026: Robertson and Larkin Rumors Shape Trade Plans

Dallas Stars executives plan to deliver their best and possibly final contract proposal to Jason Robertson two days ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft.

Robertson Contract Talks Intensify

The 26-year-old left winger holds RFA status with arbitration rights on July 1 and remains one year from unrestricted free agency. This timeline creates leverage for both the player and the Stars ahead of Friday’s draft opening. TSN’s Darren Dreger reported the club could table its strongest offer now to avoid an offer-sheet scenario or sign-and-trade complication. Dallas holds the second-overall pick and faces pressure to clarify its core roster before selecting.

Robertson’s situation contrasts sharply with other pending RFAs who lack arbitration rights. The Stars’ willingness to negotiate aggressively stems from their need to retain scoring depth after recent playoff shortcomings. A completed extension would eliminate one major variable during draft-week maneuvering. Failure to agree could push Dallas toward exploring trade packages that include future assets rather than immediate roster pieces.

Larkin’s Trade Request Evolves

Dylan Larkin submitted his trade request to the Detroit Red Wings nearly three weeks ago. The 29-year-old center initially favored Minnesota as his destination, yet recent reporting indicates the Dallas Stars have emerged as his preferred landing spot. Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos highlighted this shift in preference during draft-week analysis. Detroit must now weigh retaining Larkin through the draft or accelerating a deal that brings back immediate help.

The Red Wings face a contrast between short-term contention goals and long-term rebuilding needs. Larkin’s request adds urgency because his contract carries a manageable cap hit relative to production. Teams desperate for centers view him as a high-value acquisition who could stabilize their top-six immediately. Any deal completed before Friday would alter draft capital available for other clubs eyeing similar moves.

Additional Rumors Surface

Morgan Rielly remains available as Toronto continues roster reshaping efforts ahead of the draft. Elias Pettersson draws interest from the St. Louis Blues, who believe the 27-year-old can return to point-per-game form despite recent struggles. Vancouver refuses to retain any portion of his $11.6 million average annual value, limiting feasible trade structures. Pavel Zacha draws calls at his $4.75 million cap hit with an eight-team list, though Boston prioritizes a re-signing. Valeri Nichushkin carries four years at $6.125 million average annual value but faces mobility challenges tied to injury history.

These parallel rumors create cascading effects on draft strategy. Clubs holding high picks must decide whether to pursue established talent or stockpile assets for future sign-and-trade windows. The 29-year-old Zacha and 31-year-old Nichushkin represent differing risk profiles that teams evaluate against their own cap flexibility. Draft-week activity often accelerates when multiple contracts near key dates simultaneously.

The overlap of arbitration eligibility, trade requests, and draft timing compresses decision windows. Front offices balancing re-signing priorities against asset accumulation must act decisively before selections begin on June 26.