Robertson's Dallas Deadline, Hellebuyck's Shark Tank, and Edmonton's Goalie Gamble

The Dallas Stars are 12 days away from arbitration with Jason Robertson, but insiders expect a settlement—either through a new contract or a trade—before July 25. Robertson delivered a 96-point season and wants to stay in Dallas, though the Penguins have quietly positioned themselves as a fallback if negotiations collapse. That matters for Dallas' forward-line depth because Robertson is a high-volume shooter (he averaged 3.1 shots per game last season); any departure leaves a gap in the team's elite offensive framework.

Meanwhile, the goaltending carousel accelerated. Edmonton stole Frederik Andersen after Florida unexpectedly pivoted to Jacob Markstrom, leaving the Oilers with what may be their strongest goaltending duo of the Connor McDavid era. Andersen is primed for the starting role under new coach Mike Babcock, a critical detail because it signals Edmonton is betting heavily on his ability to steal close games—and the team is willing to lean on him in high-leverage moments. The one-year, incentive-laden structure suggests the Oilers view this as a prove-it season for Andersen's durability.

The San Jose Sharks inserted themselves into the Connor Hellebuyck sweepstakes by signing Eric Comrie, Hellebuyck's longtime Winnipeg backup. This isn't random: the Sharks are signaling they're serious bidders for the ace right-hander and won't be caught flat-footed if Buffalo stumbles in negotiations. A Hellebuyck trade to San Jose would transform their rebuild timeline, moving them from lottery-team velocity toward playoff-contention viability in a single offseason.

For bettors, the Robertson situation creates near-term volatility in Dallas' forward props. If he's traded, the Stars' team total and power-play point distribution shift downward; if he re-signs, the volatility evaporates and his shot and point lines stabilize. The smarter play is to wait for clarity post-July 25 before loading up on Robertson or Stars team props—early-market overreactions to arbitration uncertainty will fade once the decision lands. Edmonton's goaltending depth, by contrast, is more durable. Andersen as the clear primary starter lowers the variance in Oilers saves and goals-against props; games where Andersen starts are now predictable, and the market may not have fully baked in his higher workload compared to a traditional platoon split.