Dallas Stars restricted free agent winger Jason Robertson has rejected a massive eight-year contract offer from the Seattle Kraken, according to multiple league sources reported by Sportsnet.
The proposed deal from Seattle would have paid Robertson approximately $15 million annually, making him the second-highest-paid player in the NHL.
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However, the 26-year-old forward opted to decline the opportunity.
The Kraken and Stars had already frameworked a blockbuster trade contingent on the extension, which featured Seattle sending the seventh overall pick in Friday's draft to Dallas.
Contract Talks Stall
Negotiations between Dallas and Robertson remain stalled.
ESPN reported that the Stars extended a formal eight-year, $96 million offer with a $12 million average annual value, which Robertson's camp promptly turned down.
Dallas General Manager Jim Nill prioritized re-signing the forward but faces extreme constraints with just over $9 million in available salary cap space, falling short of Robertson's reported $14 million asking price.
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With NHL free agency opening next Wednesday, media insiders indicate that a trade involving the star winger is increasingly imminent as Dallas shifts focus to other interested franchises.
"As of right now the sense I'm getting is it's more likely than not the Stars trade Jason Robertson," said Darren Dreger, TSN Insider.
Following the breakdown of talks with Seattle, Dallas has reportedly re-engaged with multiple clubs, with rumors linking potential frameworks to the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Ottawa Senators.
"Dallas is gonna make news here before Friday," said Jeff Marek, Insider. Speculation surrounding the Red Wings involves a potential package for captain Dylan Larkin.
"I think they want the Robertson thing done, and I think they want Dylan Larkin," Marek added.
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Robertson completed the final season of his four-year contract by recording 45 goals and 51 assists for 96 points while appearing in all 82 regular-season games for Dallas.
