Back for more: Jason Robertson excited for new season ahead following “different summer”

There is a peace to Jason Robertson’s life right now.

It’s called the ice.

“It feels like another day, as if nothing ever happened and we’re just back at it,” Robertson said during training camp when asked about contract negotiations and potential trades that made the offseason pretty hectic. “When I’m out here, it feels like where I belong, on the ice playing.”

Robertson said he learned a lot about the “business of hockey” in the past year, and he’s trying to process all of it. Faced with his four-year bridge deal ending, he went through some intense negotiations before settling on a one-year contract for $12 million with the Stars.

There were rumors Dallas would have to trade him and even reports of trades being agreed upon before falling through. He filed for arbitration, but then signed his one-year deal before the case could be heard. Even now, there is speculation Dallas can’t keep him on a long-term deal that will likely include another big raise.

Yet, his focus is starting the season Friday on a line with Roope Hintz and Tyler Seguin while trying to improve on the 45 goals among 96 points he posted last season. Right now, things look pretty “normal” for the unique winger.

“It’s just playing,” Robertson said of his ability to compartmentalize. “It’s fun. It’s all fun, it’s natural. I understand (why people ask the question), but I honestly just love playing hockey and I’m at my happiest when I’m out there.”

And, truth be told, he’s already dealt with a lot of distractions in his career. Four years ago, he missed most of training camp waiting to sign an extension. He inked a four-year contract at $7.75 million just before the season opener and then had the best year of his career with 109 points (46 goals, 63 assists) in 82 games.

This past season, he really wanted a spot on Team USA in the Olympics, and he showed from the start of the year that he was one of the most electric scorers in the league. He was passed up for the American roster, but proved to himself that he could handle the pressure.

This season, things will be just as spicy. Per NHL rules, Robertson can’t sign a new contract extension until January 1 – so there will be plenty of chatter surrounding his name throughout the year. Plus, if he does become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, then his performance this season could either gain or lose millions of dollars going forward.

And, he’s fine with all of that.

“I’m most comfortable when I’m not thinking about it,” Robertson said. “I had to deal with it last year, I dealt with it four years ago. The good thing is I’m familiar with the staff and the players and it’s very comfortable here.”

So, he just plays…in the only way he knows how.

Robertson is lanky and actually pretty big (6-3, 204), but he’s not known as a physical player or a great skater. Instead, he thinks the game well, studies tendencies and finds the most creative ways to beat goalie. Whether it’s a surprising spin-o-rama, an odd-angle quick release or a change-up floater that hits just the right spot, Robertson knows how to score.

“He’s the definition of the new generation of players,” said Seguin. “He focuses on analytics and he looks at percentages. He continues to adapt and he continues to become more elite every year.”

Robertson can often be seen studying video of his shifts on an iPad during the game, as well as doing plenty of pre-scouting of opposing goalies.

“I like shooting, and I think I like shooting more than anyone in this locker room,” Robertson said. “So, it’s just finding a way to get more shots off. I think every summer you learn that, you practice that. A lot of it is feel and confidence.”

Robertson last season finished third in the NHL in shots on goal at 294 and led his next closest teammate by 88. That was significantly more than the 211 he had the previous season, so he definitely made adjustments.

“You’re always trying to get better,” he said.

What does “better” look like this year? Well, he wants to help his team win.

“We definitely have the pieces,” Robertson said after the team lost in the first round to Minnesota last season. “It was a tough playoff series, but that’s how it goes. We still have the group to compete. Another year with Gully and the staff. Guys should be even more excited. I think everybody used the extra time. It was a different summer, more time to train and more time to reflect.”

And while those reflections can look like a funhouse mirror if you let all the distractions get in the way, the franchise feels good about its relationship with its leading scorer.

“It’s a different world now,” Stars GM Jim Nill said when asked about the negotiations. “Jason is not worried about it, I’m not worried about it. In today’s sports environment, they move on. Players adjust to it, management adjusts to it and coaches adjust to it.”

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.

Mike Heika is a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on X @MikeHeika.