The Winnipeg Jets and defenceman Dylan Samberg have some work cut out for them should they continue to hope to avoid an arbitration hearing.
The NHL has unveiled its dates for salary arbitration hearings between players, teams and independent arbitrators for the 2025 offseason, which includes the likes of Samberg from Winnipeg’s back-end.
Photo by Terry Lee/USA Today
Opting to file for salary arbitration from Winnipeg was Samberg as well as forwards Gabe Vilardi and Morgan Barron. Both forwards were able to come to separate agreements with the Jets well in advance of their scheduled hearing dates.
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Should general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff and his front office associates not find middle ground with Samberg’s representation of Pete Rutili, a July 30 arbitration hearing will occur.
Historically, arbitration hearings tend to leave sour tastes in the mouths of players fighting for more lucrative contracts. Jacob Trouba and Andrew Copp have both since left the organization after lengthy dates in the courtroom.
Samberg, 26, is coming off a two-year deal that paid him an annual average value of $1.4 million. He is due for a significant raise, thanks to his strong play and elevation into a top-four role within Winnipeg’s deep defence corps.
He had six goals and 20 points in 60 games for the Jets last season, while accruing a +34 plus/minus rating – good for sixth place, league-wide.