NHL Stars Head to Arbitration: A Battle for Contracts Looms

hockey Jul 8, 2025

In an exciting turn of events for hockey fans, Gabriel Vilardi of the Winnipeg Jets is spearheading a prominent list of 11 NHL players filing for salary arbitration, a process that could reshape several rosters before the new season kicks off. As reported by the NHL Players’ Association, this move marks a significant step for players seeking equitable contracts given their performances last season.

Contract Negotiations at Play

Vilardi, at 25, showcases perhaps his finest performance to date. With career highs in goals (27), assists (34), and points (61) during 71 games last season, the pressure is on for the Winnipeg Jets and other players’ teams to match expectations with compelling offers. According to NHL.com, these negotiations are more than mere formalities; they symbolize each player’s pursuit of acknowledgment and stability in their careers.

Noteworthy Contenders

Among the elite group are standouts like Kaapo Kakko of the Seattle Kraken and Lukas Dostal of the Anaheim Ducks. These players have legitimately earned their spots in discussions about contract recalibrations, propelled by notable on-ice performances and growing contributions to their teams’ successes.

Upcoming Deadline Pressure

Players like Vancouver’s Conor Garland and Nashville’s Alexandre Carrier stand poised before the looming Sunday deadline for club-elected notifications. As the schedule tightens, arbitration hearings planned for July 20 to August 4 become crucial dates for both players and teams. Any player can secure a deal with their current team ahead of these hearings, potentially averting the arbitration process altogether.

Historical Context: Past Arbitrations

Reflecting on past offseasons reveals varied outcomes; last year, only one of the 14 restricted free agents who sought arbitration, Spencer Stastney from the Nashville Predators, received a contract through an independent arbitrator’s decision. This underscores the stakes involved in such negotiations; outcomes are far from guaranteed and can span negotiations, mediations, or independent rulings.

The Players Facing Arbitration

Here’s a closer look at some key players that have yet to announce specific hearing dates:

Anaheim Ducks

Lukas Dostal, G
Drew Helleson, D

Buffalo Sabres

Conor Timmins, D

Chicago Blackhawks

Arvid Soderblom, G

Montreal Canadiens

Jayden Struble, D

New York Islanders

Maxim Tsyplakov, F

Seattle Kraken

Kaapo Kakko, F

Toronto Maple Leafs

Nicholas Robertson, F

Winnipeg Jets

Morgan Barron, F
Dylan Samberg, D
Gabriel Vilardi, F

With excitement building and stakes high, these proceedings attempt more than just monetary gains—they define the futures of these players within their teams and the NHL landscape at large. This riveting chapter in NHL salary discussions promises to captivate until the final whistle.