Leading up to the 2025 NHL Draft on June 27-28, we will explore both trade targets and free agent targets that Don Waddell may want to explore in his quest to improve the Blue Jackets for next season.
There are several players around the league where rumors seem to be swirling—one of them is Jason Robertson. The Stars weren’t planning on trading for and then signing Mikko Rantanen at a $12m AAV, but that’s where they find themselves. Robertson currently has one more year left on his contract and will be due a hefty raise, one the Stars may have trouble affording.
Enter the Columbus Blue Jackets. If the Stars are interested in a trade, Don Waddell has likely already been in contact with Jim Nill. Robertson could potentially be a great fit in the Columbus top-six, an area Waddell would like to improve. The American winger is 6’3″ and a well balanced goal scorer and playmaker. Imagine a top line of Robertson-Monahan-Marchenko.
Contract Status
Robertson has one year left on his contract at an AAV of $7.75m. He will be an RFA in the summer of 2026, and a UFA in 2027 if he chooses not to sign a long-term contract.
Why He’s a Good Fit
The two-time 40+ goal scorer would be a great complement to the already dangerous group of forwards at the top of the Blue Jackets lineup. One of the things Columbus was so good at this past season (when healthy) was spreading around the scoring. Robertson provides an elite scoring touch (168 career goals in 394 games), but also enough playmaking ability (226 assists) to elevate other goal scorers like Adam Fantilli and Kirill Marchenko.
In addition, at just under 26 years old, Robertson already has 56 games of playoff experience on a veteran team. If Waddell wanted to bring in a player that knows how to win hockey games, but is also young enough to stick around for many years, there aren’t many players that fit that bill.
Trade Proposal
Waddell certainly wouldn’t be aquiring Robertson for free. The career point per game winger wouldn’t come cheap, even if he does only have one year remaining on his contract. Still in his mid-twenties, Robertson is an incredibly valuable asset. Dallas would likely want a 1st round pick and an NHL player at minimum.
This trade would hurt from a fan’s perspective. The likelihood of having to give up someone like Kent Johnson or Dmitri Voronkov in return would be high. But if you are trying to build a Cup contending team, it would be hard to pass up adding a piece like Robertson.
to CBJ
Jason Robertson
to DAL
Kent Johnson or Dmitri Voronkov
2025 1st (14th)
Is this a trade you would entertain? Is it too much or too little? Sound off in the comments.