San Jose Sharks: Should I Stay or Should I Go? RFAs, Volume II

In the second installment of Should I Stay or Should I Go? , restricted free agents who are eligible for arbitration are examined. To help analyze the situation, it is important to understand just what rules govern arbitration. Salary arbitration is the only bargaining tool available for some restricted free agents. The player and team each propose a salary for the coming season, and argue their cases at a hearing. A neutral third party decided the player's salary from the two sides' proposals. Most players must have four years of NHL experience before they are eligible for salary arbitration (the term is reduced for those who signed their first NHL contract after the age of 20). Requests must be made by Jul. 5, and cases are heard in late July or early August; negotiations often continue after a filing for arbitration in hopes of reaching a compromise. Teams can also ask for salary arbitration, but only once per player in his career. The offer must also be at least 85 percent of his previous ... (link)