Jason Robertson and Dylan Larkin found themselves at the center of fresh trade speculation after a report linked the two in a potential blockbuster deal.
According to The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta, the Dallas Stars are willing to move restricted free agent Jason Robertson to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for captain Dylan Larkin. While no deal has been reported, both players have been at the center of trade speculation this offseason.
NHL Muse shared the report on X, and fans were quick to chime in.
One user wrote,
“Would be a terrible trade for Detroit. Take Robertson away from the insanely good pp of Dallas, and his stats will be cut by over 1/3. Not a great skater. Does not drive a lot of offense. Is a very good finisher around the net. That’s about it.”
Another added,
“Robertson > Larkin and it isn’t even close. As an Avs fan I can’t wait for Dallas to make this move.”
One user commented,
“100%. Robertson is the better player. But with the rise in cap Dylan Larkin right around $8M for 5 more years is good value especially at the center position.”
One fan argued,
“Honestly probably the best deal for both parties.”
One user wasn’t convinced,
“Robertson doesn’t want to sign in Detroit!”
Jason Robertson is currently a restricted free agent after his four-year, $31 million contract expired at the end of the 2025-26 season. He has filed for salary arbitration, with a hearing scheduled for July 25, and has also been linked to trade rumors this summer.
Dylan Larkin meanwhile remains under contract with Detroit through the 2030-31 season on an eight-year deal carrying an $8.7 million average annual value. The Red Wings captain reportedly requested a trade earlier this offseason, though his full no-movement clause gives him control over any potential destination.
Why a Jason Robertson – Dylan Larkin trade remains difficult
Dylan Larkin asked Detroit for a trade earlier this offseason, but the process has slowed in recent weeks. Speaking on The Chris Johnston Show, NHL insider Chris Johnston said he would not be surprised if the Red Wings captain is still with the team when training camp opens.
“It’s gone quiet on his file; it would not surprise me if… we fire up the podcast the first week of September and Larkin’s still a member of the Red Wings,” Johnston said.
Larkin’s trade request hasn’t been easy to work through. His full no-movement clause means he controls where he can go, and he has reportedly approved only the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars. Detroit, meanwhile, has continued to stand by its asking price
Jason Robertson’s situation is different, but it also remains unresolved. He is still without a new contract after becoming a restricted free agent, though Johnston believes Dallas still has a chance to keep him.
“There’s a lot of dynamics there but ultimately I still think it’s a player that wants to be in Dallas, and because of that fact, I do still think there’s some amount of hope that they can find a solution here,” Johnston said.
Robertson has filed for salary arbitration, but the Stars can still agree to a new deal before his hearing. He also turned down a reported eight-year, $120 million offer from the Seattle Kraken earlier this offseason.
Edited by Sonali Verma