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.