Dallas Stars Add Five New Players Through Draft

The Dallas Stars added five new players through the 2026 NHL entry draft, but made no progress on re-signing Jason Robertson.

The 26-year-old winger is a restricted free agent and reports are that he and the Stars are significantly apart on a possible figure for a contract extension.

What happened?

The Stars had no selection on Friday after trading their first-round pick, but chose defenseman Jakub Vaněček with the 59th pick in the second round Saturday.

Vaněček is listed at 6-2, 194, and was born in Czechia, but played last season for the Tri-City Americans in the Western Hockey League.

The Stars also added Jasper Kuhta, a left-shot center from Finland, and Mikhail Cherepanov, a 6-foot-1 defenseman from Russia.

Why it matters for Dallas Stars

Robertson led the team with 45 goals among 96 points and was voted the First Team All-Star left wing for the NHL.

GM Jim Nill said the two sides continue to negotiate for an extension, but reports are that Robertson's camp would like more than the eight-year extension that averages $12 million per season signed by Mikko Rantanen last year.

The Stars are currently 2nd in the Western Conference with a 50-20 record, on a W5 streak, after losing 5-2 @ Minnesota Wild on 2026-04-30.

What comes next?

Free agency begins July 1, which could spark more player movement throughout the league.

Nill said the Stars have to find a common ground with Robertson, but also have to run a business and put a team together.

The Stars have already signed defenseman Kyle Capobianco and some other depth players, but still need to find contract extensions for Mavrik Bourque and potentially Jamie Benn, among others.

And the team will have to make some tough decisions to stay under the salary cap.

But for now, the focus is on finding a resolution with Robertson.

So the Stars will have to wait and see what happens next.

The Stars are looking to build on their successful season, and the draft picks are a key part of that process.

Joe McDonnell, the team's Director of Amateur Scouting, said the Stars really like Vaněček's skillset and size.

The Stars are hoping to find some hidden gems in the draft picks.

And they are looking to make some moves in free agency to strengthen their roster.

The Stars have a lot of work to do, but they are confident they can find a way to make it work.