As the NHL offseason progresses, eleven restricted free agents (RFAs) have elected to proceed to salary arbitration after failing to reach agreements with their respective teams. The NHL Players' Association (NHLPA) made the announcement on July 5, 2025, marking the next step in the negotiation process for these players.

The players who have filed for arbitration are Morgan Barron (Winnipeg Jets), Lukas Dostal (Anaheim Ducks), Drew Helleson (Anaheim Ducks), Kaapo Kakko (Seattle Kraken), Nicholas Robertson (Toronto Maple Leafs), Dylan Samberg (Winnipeg Jets), Arvid Soderblom (Chicago Blackhawks), Jayden Struble (Montreal Canadiens), Conor Timmins (Buffalo Sabres), Maxim Tsyplakov (New York Islanders), and Gabriel Vilardi (Winnipeg Jets).

Salary arbitration provides a mechanism for resolving contract disputes between RFAs and their teams. An independent arbitrator hears arguments from both sides and determines a fair salary for the player, awarding either a one- or two-year contract. A player's eligibility for arbitration depends on their age when they signed their first NHL contract and the number of professional seasons they have played.

Several notable players are among those who elected for arbitration. Lukas Dostal has emerged as the Anaheim Ducks'primary goalie following the trade of John Gibson and is due for a significant raise after demonstrating consistent improvement. Forwards Kaapo Kakko, Maxim Tsyplakov and Gabriel Vilardi could also be in line for substantial pay increases.

By electing for arbitration, these 11 players have become ineligible to sign offer sheets with other teams. However, they can still negotiate and reach agreements with their current teams before their scheduled arbitration hearings, which will take place between July 20 and August 4.

Other notable RFAs, such as Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram, Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Cam York, and Utah Mammoth forward Jack McBain, chose not to file for arbitration. This decision allows them to remain eligible to receive offer sheets from other clubs. In Byram's case, his choice not to pursue arbitration could indicate a potential offer sheet signing or an impending trade.

Teams have a limited window to elect to file for arbitration with their RFAs. The deadline for club-elected salary arbitration is July 6 at 5 p.m. ET. After the player election window closes, teams have a second 24-hour window to elect arbitration. However, teams can only file for arbitration with a maximum of two players each year.

The outcomes of these arbitration cases will be closely watched, as they can set precedents for future RFA negotiations and impact team salary structures.