Anaheim Ducks Players File for Salary Arbitration

Players prepare for arbitration discussions as contract negotiations heat up.

News Summary

Anaheim Ducks players Lukas Dostal and Drew Helleson have filed for salary arbitration, seeking new contracts ahead of the NHL’s deadline. This strategic move safeguards them from rival teams’ offers. Dostal’s performance suggests a significant salary increase while Helleson is projected to receive a lesser award. Both players remain focused during contract negotiations as the arbitration hearings approach.

Anaheim—Two players from the Anaheim Ducks, goaltender Lukas Dostal and defenseman Drew Helleson, have officially filed for salary arbitration ahead of the NHL’s July 5, 2025 deadline. The move comes as both players seek new contracts while protecting their interests from potential offers by other teams.

By filing for arbitration, Dostal and Helleson join a group of 11 NHL restricted free agents (RFAs) who have opted for similar measures. The Ducks, however, will not need to make additional arbitration filings, as only Dostal, Helleson, and Judd Caulfield were eligible. Caulfield recently signed a standard player contract with the AHL’s San Diego Gulls, leaving Dostal and Helleson the primary focus for arbitration hearings scheduled between July 20 and August 4, 2025.

The arbitration filings serve as a protective measure for the players, safeguarding them from unrestricted offers from rival teams during the contract negotiation process. The Ducks currently enjoy a favorable salary cap position, providing them the capability to match any potential offer sheets made to their remaining RFAs.

Dostal’s Recent Performance and Contract Projections

Lukas Dostal concluded a two-year contract worth $812,500 per season and enters arbitration following a commendable showing in the 2024-25 season. His solid performance is projected to translate into a substantial salary increase, with estimates suggesting a contract value of around $3.97 million for a one-year deal or approximately $5.2 million per season for a longer five-year agreement. Importantly, Dostal will acquire unrestricted free agent rights in 2027, prompting the Ducks to potentially explore a long-term contract before the arbitration hearing.

Helleson’s Development and Émérgency

On the other hand, Drew Helleson recently concluded a three-year entry-level contract that had an annual cap hit of $925,000. His breakout performance in the 2024-25 season earned him significant recognition, including a fifth-place vote for the Calder Trophy and recognition as the top rookie defenseman in the plus/minus category. Throughout the season, Helleson posted four goals and nine assists, showcasing his potential as a valuable asset to the Ducks’ roster.

Differences in Contract Negotiation Leverage

In contrast to Dostal, Helleson holds less bargaining power as he is still three years away from attaining unrestricted free agency (UFA) status. Projections indicate that Helleson’s arbitration award may approximate $874,125, aligning closely with his qualifying offer. However, both players are bound to finalize contracts with the Ducks as a result of their arbitration filings, though there remains the possibility for agreements to be struck before the scheduled hearings take place.

Conclusion and What’s Next

The upcoming arbitration process will play a crucial role in determining the future contracts of both Dostal and Helleson. As the July deadline approaches, the Ducks’ management will likely assess their roster and salary cap space while negotiating terms that reflect the players’ contributions and market value. The developments leading up to the arbitration hearings are sure to attract considerable attention within the NHL community as team and player interests converge.