July 1 was a busy day in the NHL, with more than 100 players signing new contracts and a number of unrestricted free agents finding new homes in the hours after the signing period began.
But several teams are still yet to lock up their restricted free agents, and Tuesday marks another important point in the offseason, as it's the final chance for players to file for salary arbitration.
While many notable players are eligible, here are three to keep an eye on before the 5 p.m. ET deadline:
Mike Hoffman, Ottawa Senators
Coming off a career-best 29-goal, 59-point season, the 26-year-old forward could be headed to salary arbitration for the second consecutive year with the Senators.
Last year, Hoffman was awarded a one-year, $2-million contract, and he is sure to get a significant raise once again with his continued improvement. With this in mind, the Senators are hoping to get a contract done prior to arbitration, according to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun.
Tyson Barrie, Colorado Avalanche
Though Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic had expressed his hope to sign the 24-year-old defenseman to a long-term deal last month, it appears the two sides will be heading to arbitration.
With trade rumors swirling around the blue-liner for weeks, Tuesday's deadline may be the last chance for Sakic to make a deal before Barrie is awarded a contract for one more year. Last season, he recorded 13 goals and 36 assists, with almost half of his production coming on the power play.
Petr Mrazek, Detroit Red Wings
There's no doubt who the goaltender of the future is in Detroit, and, after losing the starting job at the end of the season only to grab it back from Jimmy Howard in the postseason, Mrazek is ready to earn a starter's salary.
If Mrazek heads to arbitration, it's likely he'll be awarded a salary close to that of new Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Frederik Andersen, with whom he shares similar career numbers. Andersen signed an extension following his trade from the Anaheim Ducks that will earn him $5 million per year through 2021.
Goalie | Age | GP | Record | GAA | Sv% | SO |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mrazek | 24 | 83 | 46-30-8 | 2.29 | .920 | 9 |
Andersen | 26 | 125 | 77-26-12 | 2.33 | .918 | 6 |
Other notables: Kyle Palmieri, New Jersey Devils; Brayden Schenn, Philadelphia Flyers; Chris Kreider, New York Rangers
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