Jason Robertson trade buzz keeps circling the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the fit next to Sidney Crosby is obvious.
Elliotte Friedman says multiple teams are monitoring Robertson as Dallas navigates a difficult cap picture, though nothing suggests a deal is close.
Robertson, still just 26, put up 96 points in 82 games this season, the kind of finishing and puck protection Pittsburgh's top six has lacked.
Sidney Crosby, at 38, still managed 74 points in 68 games, while Evgeni Malkin added 61 points in 56 games at age 39.
Both veterans are aging fast, and neither replaces the kind of sustained scoring winger Robertson represents over the next several years.
Dallas closed the season 50-20-12 for 112 points, third overall, hardly a team desperate to sell, which only raises the asking price further.
The graphic behind Friedman's report breaks down exactly how thin the line is between speculation and an actual pursuit.
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What it would cost Pittsburgh to land Jason Robertson
Any real offer likely costs Pittsburgh one of its top young players, premium draft capital, and additional NHL-ready talent, a steep price for one winger.
Robertson's $7,750,000 cap hit looks like a bargain against his 45 goals this season, exactly why Dallas won't just give him away for parts.
Pittsburgh finished 41-25-16 for 98 points this season, 10th overall, good enough to compete now but thin enough up front to need real reinforcement.
Crosby posted 12 points over his last 10 games, proof he can still drive a line, but that window keeps getting shorter every season.
GM Kyle Dubas already showed he'll build around value forwards after signing Anthony Mantha to a bargain deal a year ago.
Giving up a core prospect for a rental-adjacent winger the Penguins can't guarantee re-signing long term is a real gamble either way.
Should the Penguins give up a top prospect to land Jason Robertson?
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