Jet Greaves of Canada dejected after the loss during the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Switzerland Bronze medal game between Canada and Norway at Swiss Life Arena on May 31, 2026 in Zurich, Zurich. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images) The Columbus Blue Jackets don’t have a lot of time to get a contract done with goaltender Jet Greaves before their scheduled NHL salary arbitration hearing. But after submitting vastly different salary figures, the two sides remain far apart, making this one of the league’s most closely watched restricted free-agent cases.Greaves was Columbus’ No. 1 goalie during the 2025-26 NHL season, and the Blue Jackets still have other key restricted free agents to sign. The result of these negotiations could impact the club’s offseason planning and long-term stability in net.
Columbus Blue Jackets and Jet Greaves remain far apart before NHL arbitration
The main problem is money. Jet Greaves reportedly filed for a one-year deal worth $7.5 million, while the Columbus Blue Jackets submitted $2.8 million, creating a gap of roughly $4.7 million between the positions.Greaves is looking for a big raise after his first full NHL season in which he established himself as Columbus’ starting goaltender. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets seem to prize his limited NHL experience based on his impressive production.There is still time for the sides to settle before the arbitration hearing gets underway in earnest. If no deal is struck, an independent arbitrator will determine Greaves’ pay based on evidence put forth by both sides.If the hearing goes ahead, the decision will be binding and the length of the contract subject to arbitration rules. Most NHL arbitration cases never have to be decided because teams and players avoid potentially difficult hearings by settling.
Why Jet Greaves’ breakout season supports his contract value
Jet Greaves made a strong case for himself with an impressive 2025-26 campaign that helped cement his status as one of the most productive goaltenders in the NHL, he finished the season 26-19-9 with a 2.60 goals-against average, a .908 save percentage and two shutouts in 55 appearances. Those numbers place him among the league leaders in several key goaltending categories.Having established himself internationally, Greaves continued to build his reputation by representing Canada at the IIHF World Championship. He has the NHL success and international experience to allow his representatives to make a strong case for a significant raise in pay.
How this arbitration outcome could affect Columbus Blue Jackets plans
Columbus Blue Jackets have some salary-cap flexibility, but Jet Greaves isn’t the only player who needs a new contract. It’s also a time when the organization has to finalize deals with restricted free agents Adam Fantilli and Cole Sillinger, so every financial decision matters.A settlement worked out before the hearing would bring certainty for both sides and would allow the Blue Jackets to continue building around a young core without generating unnecessary friction. But if arbitration proceeds, the ruling could impact not only Greaves’ immediate future, but Columbus’ long-term roster strategy as it moves into the new NHL season.