The Dallas Stars have a salary cap issue that could end up benefiting the Los Angeles Kings if they can't come to an agreement on a new deal for Jason Robertson. Their star forward is in the final year of his contract with an AAV of $7.75 but is going to be looking for a raise in his next contract.
He has certainly earned that raise as he has averaged 87 points over the past four seasons with the Stars. At only 25 years old, he is just entering the prime of his career and will definitely be worth that next contract, which, according to Nick Kyperos at Sportsnet it will be around $12 million.
While the Kings have their own contract negotiations they have to worry about for their own players, with Adrian Kempe entering the final year, they should make a move to try to make a big move in what could be the final season for Anze Kopitar. It would be great to see him end his career with one more Stanley Cup.
Breaking down the ideal trade package by the LA Kings to add Jason Robertson
The Dallas Stars are in an interesting spot as they don't necessarily want to build for the future as their window to compete in the Western Conference is wide open. The Kings will need to find a balance of players that can help them win now, along with future assets but also create cap relief.
That is exactly what this trade package of Trevor Moore, Liam Greentree, and a second-round draft pick would achieve.
Moore is certainly not the same player as Robertson, but is two years removed from his 31-goal season. He can help their offense and contribute this season, and only has an AAV of $4.2 million so it would create an extra $3 million in cap space.
The big piece of this trade, and probably the toughest for the Kings to part with, is their top prospect in Liam Greentree. Their first-round pick last season was incredible for the Windsor Spitfires and has a bright future in the NHL.
However, if the Kings really want to go for a Stanley Cup this season, Greentree won't help in that.
In the end, this trade package only makes sense if the Kings know that Robertson will sign an extension with Los Angeles. If that is in place, then this trade would be an excellent move to help boost this offense and give the Kings a real chance to win a Stanley Cup.