FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Stars opened their 2026‑27 training camp Thursday with two of their home‑grown stars, forward Jason Robertson and defenseman Thomas Harley, on the ice. Both players were slated for trades earlier this summer, but the deals never materialized, leaving the duo ready to compete for roster spots.
Robertson returns on a one‑year contract
Robertson signed a $12 million, one‑year contract that avoided salary arbitration. The deal came after the Stars had a sign‑and‑trade agreement with the Seattle Kraken during the NHL draft in June. Robertson declined a reported $120 million, eight‑year offer from Seattle, choosing to stay in Dallas.
“It feels like another day, as if nothing ever happened and we’re back at it,” Robertson said after the first practice. “I want to be present. When I’m out here, it feels like the most of where I belong, on the ice playing.”
Harley signs long‑term extension after trade collapse
Harley entered camp under the first year of an $84.69 million, eight‑year extension he signed last November. The Stars had planned to send Harley and prospect Mavrik Bourque to Columbus for Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski, but Werenski exercised his no‑trade clause and remained with the Blue Jackets. Bourque was later dealt to Nashville.
“I’ve always known that this is a business, but for the first time it really affected me that way, so it was a stressful week for sure,” Harley said. “We’re all on the same page. I want to be here, they want me here, so it’s all good. No hard feelings.”
General manager Jim Nill praised Harley, noting he is a “big part of the team.” Nill added, “I’ve already talked to him, and then we move on.”
Stars look ahead after a long offseason
Both Robertson and Harley were drafted by Dallas – Robertson 39th overall in the 2017 second round and Harley 18th overall in the 2019 draft. Robertson has posted more than a point per game over six full NHL seasons, tallying 490 points (213 goals, 277 assists) in 456 regular‑season games. He led the Stars with 96 points last season and contributed five goals and three assists in six playoff games.
Without a contract extension, Robertson could become an unrestricted free agent next summer, as NHL rules prevent extensions before Jan. 1. He acknowledged the contract talk, saying, “Just playing, that’s when I’m most comfortable not thinking about it. I had to deal with it last year, kind of dealt with it four years ago.”
Salary context
Robertson’s $12 million salary for 2026‑27 ties him with forward Mikko Rantanen for the highest annual pay on the Stars roster. Rantanen is entering the second year of a $96 million, eight‑year extension signed to facilitate the March 2025 trade that brought him from Carolina.
The Stars concluded a lengthy offseason after a first‑round playoff exit last year, following three consecutive Western Conference Final appearances. The team hopes the familiar faces of Robertson and Harley will help restore the competitive edge that made Dallas a perennial contender.
Original reporting: Fort Worth, TX Sports (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
