As the offseason slowly progresses, the Winnipeg Jets still have work to do in finalizing contracts for their restricted and unrestricted free agents. On Saturday, it was announced that three of their RFAs — Gabriel Vilardi, Dylan Samberg, and Morgan Barron — have filed for salary arbitration.

Salary arbitration is a contract negotiation mechanism in the NHL that allows certain restricted free agents (RFAs) to settle salary disputes. Either the player or the team can file for arbitration, prompting a hearing with a neutral third party — an arbitrator — who determines the player’s salary for the upcoming season. Both sides present arguments and salary proposals based on comparable players, production, and other relevant factors. The arbitrator then sets a one or two-year contract, typically landing somewhere between the two submitted figures.

Filing for arbitration doesn’t guarantee the case will reach a hearing. In fact, many deals are negotiated before that point. Still, it sets a deadline and structure that often helps push negotiations forward.

Vilardi, 25, is coming off a career year, posting 27 goals and 34 assists for 61 points in 71 games despite missing time with injury. He was slotted on the Jets’ top line alongside Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele, he also served as a key piece on the team’s first power-play unit. According to Evolving-Hockey, Vilardi is projected to land a four-year deal with an average annual value (AAV) of $7.5 million.

Samberg, 26, had what many consider a breakout season. He solidified himself on Winnipeg’s second pairing alongside Neal Pionk, contributing 6 goals and 14 assists in 60 games. Despite a broken foot that sidelined him for a portion of the season, Samberg emerged as a reliable, shutdown defenceman who brought physicality and stability to the Jets’ back end. Evolving-Hockey projects his next deal at four years with an AAV of $4.5 million.

Barron, 26, may not have matched his previous point totals — finishing with 8 goals and 7 assists in 74 games — but showed clear growth in his two-way game. He utilized his 6’4″ frame more effectively on both sides of the puck and played a consistent, reliable role on the fourth line, rotating between center and wing. While his offensive numbers dipped slightly, his impact on the forecheck and defensive zone coverage was evident. He’s projected to receive a two-year contract with an AAV of $2 million.