A high-stakes offseason looms for two NHL teams as contract negotiations reach critical junctures. The Dallas Stars face an immediate deadline, with a key player unable to sign an extension until January 1st, marking the issue as a top priority for the franchise. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Kings are adopting a more cautious approach, opting to delay discussions with another extension-eligible star player despite the urgency often tied to such decisions. The contrasting strategies highlight the financial and strategic tightropes teams must walk when securing long-term talent.

Jason Robertson can't sign an extension until January 1st and it will be a priority for the Stars. Drew Doughty is extension eligible but the LA Kings want to wait.