With just one player heading to arbitration, the Florida Panthers could be looking to strike a deal with Akira Schmid before their new deadline.
Typically, NHL teams and players can avoid meeting with an arbitrator by signing an extension before the deadline. Players file for arbitration to speed up the process of negotiating an extension.
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But in some cases, if a deal cannot be reached, going to arbitration can yield a balanced outcome.
If the Panthers do not come to terms with Schmid within the next few weeks, they’ll be set for their arbitration date on August 1, according to puckpedia.com.
By filing for arbitration, players become eligible for a maximum of a two-year contract, but those one year away from becoming unrestricted free agents can only be awarded a one-year contract.
The arbitration process is completed by the team and the player, who present their case for the contract’s price tag. More often than not, the team low-balls, while the player puts an unrealistic price. An arbitrator is used to help find the middle ground based on production, age and the term, whether it’s one year or two.
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The situation with the Panthers and Schmid is quite different than other arbitration cases. Whether the Panthers deal with an arbitrator or not, they will likely be signing Schmid to a short-term contract.
Florida Panthers’ Akira Schmid Files For Arbitration
Florida Panthers’ Akira Schmid Files For Arbitration The Florida Panthers could have one arbitration case this off-season, as recently acquired goaltender Akira Schmid has filed for arbitration.
Backup netminders are rarely offered multi-year contracts, and one as unproven as Schmid almost never sees a contract exceed two seasons.
In his NHL career, the 26-year-old has played just 82 games, recording a .898 save percentage and a 2.66 goals-against average.
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In the 2025-26 season, Schmid played a career-high 34 games with the Vegas Golden Knights, posting an .893 SP and a 2.59 GAA.
In all likelihood, Schmid’s next contract will be a one- or two-year deal, with an AVV under $2 million.
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