Arbitration Loophole?

All month long the buzz in Dallas has been around arbitration for Jason Robertson, does he want more money or is he chasing a Cup title? Well he turned down 15.5 mil from Seattle and doesn’t seem to be negotiating a move to Pittsburgh, so for me there’s an obvious answer of staying in Dallas. Now it’s a week away, could this be the loop hole to keeping everyone happy? Lucky for us on edge about how this will wrap up, arbitration is only one day and final numbers are emailed to both parties within 48 hours. Negotiations have been at a standstill, however once arbitration begins no new deals can be discussed.

Drafted to the Dallas Stars, Robertson has established grounds in Texas through his entire career, it just makes sense to stay here. However to justify the numbers he’s asking we need to see a more aggressive skater on the ice and numbers he was putting up in the ‘22-23 season. Not that his shootout goals are ever over looked and he’s steadily averaging a point per game; in our division it’s every point counts come April. One highlight that stands out to me with Robo is he’s consistently healthy; a detail to never be overlooked in a forward. On his end though is the liability of a market drop if he signs a one year deal, either due to an injury or low stat season.

Regardless of how arbitration goes Dallas will accept, keeping Robo as trade leverage before season starts- rejecting would immediately put Robo as an unrestricted free agent. Right now the concern is getting over this bridge year in our cap space without losing anymore essential players; Borque being the piece moved, he put up great numbers last season and players like that perfectly accentuate our key stars like Robo.

One detail being overlooked in this is arbitration numbers tend to be lower than player’s asking price. Could this be the puzzle piece both parties are utilizing while waiting to get through January for a new salary cap? Robo currently sets at almost 8 jumping to probably 11.5 with arbitration, this could be the loophole to hold over negotiations until January to get him into the contract he’s looking for without losing anymore players. I’m going to stir the pot and say yes- I think Robo is going to be in Dallas long term and the best way to ensure this is waiting for the cap jump next season. Not to mention Seguin’s contract renewal, will he come back a player or migrate into coaching staff. I think Monday following arbitration will be a number both parties can agree on for a bridge year contract until we have the adjusted salary to sign Robo long term- it’s a raise we can afford and chump change difference in comparison with a long term contract, at the end of the day keeping Robo on the roster is key, replacing him is filling the shoes of 2 players and although we can find decent fills, it’s quality over quantity in the race for the Cup. So let them rip Robo apart in arbitration, I think it’s all a part of the long game.