Philadelphia Flyers vs Brayden Schenn – Arbitration FAQ
By Marc Naples
Brayden Schenn, Jordan Weal and Brandon Manning all filed for arbitration with the Philadelphia Flyers yesterday. What does it mean? Questions and answers
Three Philadelphia Flyers players, Brayden Schenn, Jordan Weal, and Brandon Manning all filed for arbitration yesterday. This is one way a restricted free agent player like these can pry a better deal from their team without signing a third-party offer sheet.
The election of this option causes some fan confusion, and in the case of Brayden Schenn, the stakes feel particularly high. Here’s some answers to common questions that people usually ask about the process.
What happens in arbitration?
The player and the team each present their case as to what salary the player deserves to an independent arbiter. The arbiter will then issue a binding ruling on the value of the player’s next contract.
When will the arbitration take place?
Arbitration hearings are scheduled for July 20 to August 4. More specific dates are not yet set.
Is this an unusual thing, and thus a bad sign?
Not really. This year, 24 players from 13 NHL teams have filed for arbitration. Last year, 23 players filed for arbitration, including the Flyers’ Michael Del Zotto.
Does that mean negotiations between the team and player are currently failing?
No. Most arbitration filings never get to a hearing. Independent negotiations may continue right up the arbitration date, and most arbitration filings are actually resolved that way.
What is Hextall’s history with arbitration claims?
This is Hextall’s third offseason as GM of the Philadelphia Flyers, and his only previous arbitration case was with Michael Del Zotto last summer. The Flyers resolved that situation by agreeing to a 2-year contract with Del Zotto on July 16.
What are the terms of the contract the arbitrator can set?
The arbitrator has few restrictions on the salary he may set based on the evidence presented in the arbitration hearing, but the contract may only be 1 or 2 years long. In cases like these where the player requests arbitration, the team has the choice of designating that the arbitrated contract will be 1 or 2 years in length.
What types of players usually file for arbitration?
It’s usually restricted free agents, as offer sheets to these players are basically non-existent in the NHL these days. It’s also often players still proving their long term worth to a team, thus no commitment has yet been reached between the player and team.
In a post the other day about Schenn’s contract, we noted several comparable players to Schenn also needed new contracts this offseason.
Related Story: Flyers Must Focus on Schenn Contract, but Beware
Of the 6 such comparable players who need a contract, 5 have filed for arbitration this summer.
Is this bad news for Schenn’s future in Philadelphia?
Not yet. It is very possible that the Flyers and Schenn will agree on a long-term deal before the hearing, and then there is no doubt about Schenn’s future.
If the arbitration hearing actually occurs, it may unofficially be the beginning to the end for Schenn in Philadelphia, reading between the lines. Hextall declined to sign Schenn long-term last summer, and didn’t put making that happen at the top of his to-do list this summer. If they don’t reach a deal before arbitration in the next 2 weeks, it suggests Hextall questions Schenn’s long term value to the team and is not willing to pay what it takes to sign Schenn long term.