With the NHL silly season fully underway, trade rumors are bandied about for many star NHLers, and the San Jose Sharks should swing for a two-time 40-goal scorer.
General Manager Mike Grier says he will be “active” this summer. The Sharks GM didn’t explicitly say whether that would be via free agency, trades, or the NHL Draft, but expect moves to happen.
Following the Dallas Stars’ abrupt exit from the Western Conference Final for the third consecutive season, rumors have begun to circulate about possible changes. Former Sharks head coach Pete DeBoer has come under scrutiny for his decision to pull his goalie in game five against the Edmonton Oilers.
But the biggest rumored change in terms of the Stars’ roster is the future of star winger Jason Robertson.
The 25-year-old is entering the final year of a four-year $31 million contract. After the deal, Robertson will still have RFA rights. His age and team control following the 2025-2026 season make him an interesting trade piece.
The San Jose Sharks not only have the highest projected cap space for the 2025 off-season, but also a stacked prospect pool. San Jose also has four first-round picks in the next two seasons (two in 2025, two in 2026).
Grier has plenty of trade capital to work with if he feels Robertson is available via trade.
Sharks can get Macklin Celebrini’s long-time winger in Robertson
After a phenomenal rookie season by Macklin Celebrini, the San Jose Sharks must begin to build the roster around the 2024 No. 1 pick.
Grier signed Tyler Toffoli in to be Celebrini’s partner in crime, and it worked wonderfully. Toffoli scored 30 goals for the third straight season. The veteran winger brought his leadership to the locker room and mentorship to Celebrini and Will Smith.
Toffoli, 33, wants to win and knows he’s in the back nine of his NHL career. Despite that, he chose to sign with the Sharks because he believed in Grier’s vision. While his production has been good, Father Time remains undefeated and could catch Toffoli at any time.
Adding a similar playstyle to Toffoli, such as Jason Robertson, to Celebrini’s line will be beneficial to his overall development.
Robertson has scored 40 goals in the NHL twice. He’s scored 80 points in 82 games in each of the last two seasons. His career high of 109 points (46 goals, 63 assists) in 2022-23 is his peak.
If the San Jose Sharks want to add an established star NHLer this summer, Robertson seems like the perfect fit. To acquire the Southern California native from the Stars, two questions must be asked: Is Dallas truly ready to make a significant change? Can the Sharks match the lofty price Robertson will fetch?
Mikko Rantanen’s arrival and long-term extension will push Robertson down the Stars’ lineup. He’d be a no-doubt top-line forward in San Jose.
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