As the NHL offseason heats up, the next chapter of team-building drama has arrived: salary arbitration. On Saturday, 11 players filed for salary arbitration according to the NHL Players’ Association, setting the stage for a potentially contentious negotiation period that could shape several rosters before training camp.
Notable names hit the arbitration list across the NHL
Headlining the list is Winnipeg Jets forward Gabriel Vilardi , who just posted a breakout year. The 25-year-old notched career highs in goals (27), assists (34), and points (61) over 71 games, solidifying his role as a key offensive piece for the Jets. Vilardi, acquired from Los Angeles in the Pierre-Luc Dubois trade, has quickly become indispensable—and now seeks a payday to match his impact.
Seattle Kraken forward Kaapo Kakko , formerly of the New York Rangers, also filed. Still seeking consistency after being selected second overall in 2019, Kakko remains a project with untapped upside. His arbitration case will likely focus on potential versus production.
Other notable names include Lukas Dostal of the Anaheim Ducks, a promising young goalie who saw extended NHL action last season, and Dylan Samberg, a steady presence on the Winnipeg blue line. Both will likely push for deals that reflect their growing roles.
Buffalo’s Bowen Byram, however, stands out for a different reason. The Sabres opted for team-elected arbitration with the 23-year-old defenseman, acquired from Colorado in March. This move gives Buffalo control over the process while continuing negotiations behind the scenes.
Arbitration hearings set, but deals may come first
Hearings are scheduled between July 20 and August 4, but it’s common for players and teams to settle beforehand. Last offseason, 14 restricted free agents filed, yet only one—Nashville’s Spencer Stastney—went through a full arbitration hearing and received a ruling from an independent arbitrator.