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NHL and Gary Bettman Set Hard Deadline on Arbitration Contracts: Teams are Scrambling

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 2:11 PM ET

The NHL and Gary Bettman have decided to set firm deadlines on several arbitration case hearings, but teams and players are allowed to negotiate until that date.

The NHL announced official deadlines on the 2025 salary arbitration process set by league Commissioner Gary Bettman and league management.

Eleven restricted free agents (RFAs) made use of their right to arbitration this year, who are players that end up becoming eligible with the required experience.

There are still seven of the 11 players who filed for arbitration left unsigned

The following players filed for arbitration:

- Morgan Barron (Jets) - Signed
- Gabriel Vilardi (Jets) - Signed
- Lukas Dostal (Ducks) - Signed
- Drew Helleson (Ducks) - Signed
- Kaapo Kakko (Kraken) - Hearing: July 25
- Arvid Soderblom (Blackhawks) - July 28
- Maksim Tsyplakov (Islanders) - July 29
- Dylan Samberg (Jets) - July 30
- Conor Timmins (Sabres) - Aug. 2
- Nicholas Robertson (Maple Leafs) - Aug. 3
- Jayden Struble (Canadiens) - Aug. 3

When a player files for arbitration, their right to sign an offer sheet is lost. Teams and players can renegotiate a contract at any time before the hearing date.

The next arbitration hearings are now scheduled between July 25 and August 3. Also, teams had until 5 p.m. ET on July 6 to file for club-elected arbitration.

If there is a team with a player heading to arbitration, there will be a second buyout window 48 hours after the final case is ruled or awarded, in case of any disagreement between the two parties.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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