What happened: On the Ray & Dregs Podcast, NHL insider Darren Dreger characterized contract negotiations between Jason Robertson's representation and Dallas Stars management as a difficult standoff. Dreger said the sense he is getting is that it is more likely than not the Stars end up trading Robertson rather than reaching a new agreement.

Why it matters: Robertson is one of Dallas's most important offensive players, so a trade would reshape the Stars' top six and their salary structure heading into the 2025-26 season. A move of that magnitude would also send a high-end scoring winger onto the market, drawing interest from contenders looking to add finishing ability.

What to watch: Watch for whether the two sides find common ground on term and dollars or whether Dallas opens trade conversations with rival clubs. Any movement on Robertson would likely accelerate as the offseason progresses.