Gabriel Vilardi, a forward for the Winnipeg Jets, joined 10 other NHL players in filing for salary arbitration, aiming to negotiate a contract that better reflects his recent performance. Last season, Vilardi achieved personal bests with 27 goals and 61 points in 71 games. Among those also filing are notable names like Kaapo Kakko from the Seattle Kraken and Lukas Dostal of the Anaheim Ducks. The arbitration deadline is set for 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, with hearings scheduled between July 20 and August 4.

The outcomes of these hearings can vary; last year, only one player, defenseman Spencer Stastney of the Nashville Predators, received a contract through arbitration. This year’s arbitration filings come amidst a competitive landscape, where young talent is increasingly being evaluated against their recent contributions.

The Detroit Red Wings have secured a vital part of their future by re-signing Elmer Söderblom to a two-year contract after a promising second half of the previous season. At 6-foot-8, Söderblom, drafted in the sixth round of 2019, has proven his worth with a $1.25 million cap hit. This signing is part of a busy week for the team, also bringing Jonatan Berggren and Albert Johansson on board.

Söderblom made a significant impact after his call-up in January, gathering 11 points in 26 games. His size has been advantageous, particularly in power play situations, allowing him to effectively screen goalies and fight for rebounds. With these contract extensions, the Wings are signaling their commitment to building a competitive team for the coming seasons.

The Detroit Red Wings have secured defenseman Albert Johansson with a two-year contract, featuring an annual average value of $1.13 million. Johansson, 24, demonstrated significant growth during the latter half of the 2024-25 season, solidifying his place as a mainstay in the lineup. After a coaching shift improved his standing, an injury to fellow defenseman Jeff Petry allowed Johansson to establish himself effectively.

Alongside Johansson, the Red Wings are also looking to finalize contracts with forwards Jonatan Berggren and Elmer Söderblom, both of whom are restricted free agents. This focus on retaining young talent indicates the team's commitment to building a competitive roster for the upcoming seasons.

In a thrilling series, the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes showcased their resilience and skill as they battled through the Eastern Conference finals. Game 4 highlighted Logan Stankoven's remarkable wrist shot that sealed a shutout victory for Carolina, while Jesper Boqvist's impressive backhanding in Game 3 ignited Florida's momentum. Gustav Forsling quickly set the tone in Game 2, leading to Florida's aggressive performance against the Hurricanes, which continued despite Coach Paul Maurice's concerns over team execution. This intense competition is setting the stage for an exciting conclusion in the playoffs.