The Dallas Stars are at a crossroads regarding left winger Jason Robertson, whose strong performance has made him a pivotal player. Entering the final year of a four-year contract, Robertson scored an impressive 35 goals and 80 points last season, making him a key asset. However, financial constraints may force the Stars to make a tough decision between re-signing Robertson or retaining rising defenseman Thomas Harley, who has also excelled and is due for a significant raise.

With both players becoming restricted free agents next summer, the Stars face a potential salary cap dilemma. NHL.com’s Dan Rosen suggested that if the Stars must choose, they may prioritize Harley’s future due to his potential. If a trade is necessary, exploring a sign-and-trade arrangement similar to the Mitch Marner deal might be the path forward to maximize value in a transaction.

The NHL recently announced the first and second All-Star teams for the 2024-25 season, and despite a notable performance, no Dallas Stars players made the cut. This outcome is particularly surprising given the strong contributions from the team's key players throughout the season.

Jason Robertson, the Stars' standout left wing, finished sixth in voting for his position, garnering 26 points with one second-place and 23 third-place votes. On the right wing, Mikko Rantanen also placed sixth, accumulating seven points. Defensively, Thomas Harley made an impression, ranking seventh with 67 voting points, including one first-place vote. Miro Heiskanen did not fare as well, ending up in 17th with just five points.

In net, Jake Oettinger earned a commendable fourth place with 30 voting points, showcasing his prowess as a goaltender. Additionally, Lian Bichsel's performance on the blue line earned him sixth place in the All-Rookie team voting, indicating that while the Stars may not have been represented in the All-Star teams, their talent pool remains strong.

Thomas Harley has made a significant impact in the NHL this season, finishing seventh in Norris Trophy voting for best defenseman. He secured one second-place and one third-place vote, along with a notable 27 fifth-place votes. Harley's rise came after he stepped into a larger role with the Dallas Stars due to Miro Heiskanen's injury, averaging over 23 minutes of ice time. His impressive season statistics include 50 points, with 16 goals and 34 assists over 78 games.

Harley's late addition to Team Canada before the 4 Nations Face-Off win highlighted his growing reputation in the league. At just 23 years old, the former first-round pick is proving to be a key asset for Dallas, showcasing his all-around ability on the blue line.

Prime Video's upcoming season of "FACEOFF: Inside the NHL" promises to deliver even more thrilling insights into the lives of hockey's biggest stars. Set to premiere in fall 2025, the second season will feature Dallas Stars players Mikko Rantanen, Wyatt Johnston, and Thomas Harley, marking a first for the franchise in the series. They will share the spotlight with renowned players such as Sidney Crosby, Matthew and Brady Tkachuk, and Marc-Andre Fleury, likely in his retirement year.

This season will provide a closer look at pivotal moments, including Alex Ovechkin's pursuit of the all-time goals record and the inaugural 4-Nations Faceoff tournament. NHL President Steve Mayer emphasizes the show's commitment to delivering an authentic behind-the-scenes experience, promising more players, access, and emotional narratives, highlighting the pressures of the sport.