Vancouver Canucks forward Jannik Hansen and Montreal Canadiens defenceman Josh Gorges were among the players who filed for salary arbitration on Tuesday.
Hansen is looking for a raise after his most successful year in the league where he scored 29 points and performed well as a penalty killer. The 25-year-old was awarded an $825,000 salary last season after Vancouver took him to arbitration.
Gorges' agent Kevin Epp is adamant that the goal is to get his client signed before it comes to an arbitration hearing. The 26-year-old defender appeared in 36 games for the Canadiens a year ago, recording one goal and six assists.
Other notable names who have filed before the deadline include Winnipeg Jets forward Blake Wheeler, Edmonton Oilers forward Andrew Cogliano, Buffalo Sabres defenceman Andrej Sekera, Tampa Bay Lightning forward Teddy Purcell, Chicago Blackhawks defenceman Chris Campoli, Nashville Predators forward Sergei Kostitsyn, and New York Islanders forward Blake Comeau. The New York Rangers had four players file, including Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubinsky, Brian Boyle, and Michael Sauer.
The NHL and the NHLPA will determine the hearing dates for each of the arbitration-eligible restricted free agents.
Arbitration cases will be heard between July 20 and August 4. A player can still sign or agree to a new deal with his team up until the arbitrator's ruling.
