Why the NHLPA Hasn't Set Arbitration Dates for Connor Dewar

The NHL Players' Association (NHLPA) will begin arbitration cases as early as Saturday, but exact dates remain uncertain. Unlike previous years, the NHLPA has not released a schedule of cases, leaving the timing of hearings to be determined by agents, teams, and insider reports.

Historically, the NHLPA provided a detailed schedule a week before arbitration cases commenced. This year, however, they have chosen a different approach.

A source told The Hockey News that the NHLPA's shift in strategy means hearings and awards will only be reported once they are resolved, whether through arbitration or settlement. Arbitration cases are scheduled between July 20 and August 4.

Update on Connor Dewar

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Connor Dewar is among the 14 NHL players who filed for salary arbitration. Although discussions are ongoing, it remains unclear if Dewar's case will be resolved before the arbitration date.

Dewar, acquired from the Minnesota Wild at the trade deadline, contributed with a goal and four assists in 17 games for the Leafs. He also participated in six of Toronto's seven playoff games during their first-round series against the Boston Bruins.

AFP Analytics estimates Dewar's potential earnings at $1,423,221.62 annually on a two-year deal. Arbitrators can award either one- or two-year contracts, with only one option available if the player becomes an unrestricted free agent after a one-year deal.

Last year, goaltender Ilya Samsonov faced a similar situation. The Leafs and Samsonov couldn't reach an agreement before the arbitration hearing, which led to Samsonov hearing the team's arguments for a lower salary. The arbitrator awarded him $3.55 million for the 2023-24 season.

Samsonov struggled early in the season and ended up on waivers before rebounding in the spring. He signed a one-year, $1.8 million deal with the Vegas Golden Knights this summer. Samsonov later cited the arbitration process as a contributing factor to his mental struggles last season. The NHL's Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) requires players to attend hearings, exposing them to their team's critiques.

With the CBA set to expire in 2026, there may be discussions about revising the arbitration process, potentially making it less adversarial. The NHLPA's decision not to release arbitration dates might be an effort to mitigate the tension that often surrounds these cases.