Seven restricted free agents (RFAs) in the NHL are set to undergo payroll arbitration hearings this week. Typically, some of the 11 RFAs who requested arbitration ended up reaching new agreements beforehand — such as Anaheim re-signing goalie Lucas Dostal and defenseman Drew Helleson, and the Winnipeg Jets doing the same with Gabriel Viraldi and Morgan Baron.
While RFAs like Mason McTavish, Marco Rossi, and Connor Zary remain eligible for offer sheets, seven players are anticipated to hold arbitration hearings between July 20 and August 4. The circumstances for these players have likely been influenced by their teams’ moves since NHL free agency began on July 1. Here’s a look at these seven players and their current situations:
Connor Timmins, Defenseman, Buffalo Sabres
At 26, Timmins was traded for the second time in four months, moving from the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Sabres during the NHL Draft in exchange for veteran Blu-Rainer Conner Clifton and a 2025 second-round draft pick. Sabres GM Kevyn Adams seems to plan on slotting Timmins on the right side of the bottom defensive pairing alongside Mattias Samuelson, following the re-signing of Bowen Byram for two years.
Arvid Soderblom, Goalie, Chicago Blackhawks
The 25-year-old split his recent season between Spencer Knight and Petr Mrazek, with Mrazek traded to the Detroit Red Wings at the deadline. This left Soderblom to compete against young Drew Commesso for backup goalie responsibilities. Given the Blackhawks’ over $21 million in salary cap space, it’s likely they will offer Soderblom a one-year contract.
Jayden Struble, Defenseman, Montreal Canadiens
The 23-year-old American defenseman is expected to fill the void left by David Survard’s retirement on the bottom pairing. Logan Mailloux, a recent St. Louis Blues acquisition, and cautious management following Zack Boldy’s injury are considerations for Montreal. Struble contributed 13 points and 124 hits across 56 NHL games last season.
Maxim Tsyplakov, Right Wing, New York Islanders
The 26-year-old Russian winger signed a one-year entry-level contract after scoring 31 goals in the KHL last season. Tsyplakov totaled 35 points for the Islanders and, with departures of Brock Nelson and Noadbusson, GM Mathieu Darche is looking at him for offensive depth among incoming players. With less than $4 million available in cap space, a one-year deal leading to unrestricted free agency seems the most practical option.
Kaapo Kakko, Right Wing, Seattle Kraken
Drafted second overall in 2019, Kakko found a fresh start in the Pacific Northwest after a rocky tenure in New York. Now 24, Kakko is due for unrestricted free agency next year, making a long-term contract potentially costly. Seattle currently has five high-priced veterans with expired contracts, which may enable them to absorb a bigger financial commitment.
Nick Robertson, Left Wing, Toronto Maple Leafs
Although small in stature, the 23-year-old has managed to contribute scoring in limited ice time over the past two seasons under coaches Sheldon Keefe and Craig Berube. With Mitch Marner’s recent departure, Toronto might prefer to keep Robertson under control for multiple years, either to build around or as a valuable trade asset.
Dylan Samberg, Defenseman, Winnipeg Jets
Following Vilardi’s six-year, $45 million contract extension, GM Kevin Cheveldayoff addressed one of his main offseason concerns. Samberg, who’s not known for offense but scored a career-high 20 points this year, is approaching unrestricted free agency in a year with increasing defensemen salaries. At 26, he led Winnipeg by blocking 120 shots this season and will be a notable figure in contract talks this summer or next.
Fan Take: These arbitration cases highlight the balancing act NHL teams face managing salary caps while securing young talent. The outcomes will be pivotal not just for the players’ careers but for shaping team compositions and competitiveness in the upcoming seasons.
