Stars Could Once Again Move Radek Faksa to Create Space for Jason Robertson Extension
The Dallas Stars may be forced to revisit a familiar solution in order to keep star winger Jason Robertson long term, with veteran center Radek Faksa once again emerging as a potential trade candidate to help manage salary cap pressure.
Robertson, the team’s leading scorer and a restricted free agent, is expected to command a deal in excess of $12 million per season—comparable to Mikko Rantanen’s recent extension. With Dallas projected to have roughly $11 million in cap space for the 2026–27 season, and Robertson’s qualifying offer already sitting at $9.3 million, the financial math leaves little flexibility for general manager Jim Nill.
As a result, the Stars may need to shed salary, and Faksa’s name has resurfaced as a logical candidate. This would not be the first time Dallas has used the veteran forward as a cap casualty. In 2024, he was dealt to St. Louis for future considerations in a move that cleared $3.25 million in space.
Faksa later returned to Dallas on a three-year, $6 million contract and rebounded with a solid campaign under head coach Glen Gulutzan, producing 17 points in 56 games while playing a key defensive role and leading the team’s forwards in shorthanded ice time.
However, moving him now could prove complicated due to health concerns. Faksa has dealt with multiple injuries, including a concussion suffered during Olympic play in February, followed by a significant foot injury caused by a skate blade that damaged ligaments and may require additional surgery. The uncertainty surrounding his recovery timeline makes him a more difficult asset to trade.
Nill has described the injury as highly unusual, noting the lack of comparable cases in terms of recovery expectations. Despite that, Dallas may have little choice if it hopes to retain Robertson beyond his current deal, as he is just one season away from unrestricted free agency in 2027.
To create the necessary cap space, the Stars could also explore moving defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin and his $3.25 million contract alongside Faksa. Together, those moves would provide enough room to secure Robertson’s long-term future in Dallas.
Faksa, who has appeared in 696 regular-season games with the franchise, has long been a dependable depth piece. Yet once again, financial pressures may put his future in Dallas in question.
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