2019 salary arbitration dates are set

The NHLPA has announced the salary arbitration dates for the 40 players that elected to go to arbitration. Four Calgary Flames players, notably Sam Bennett and David Rittich, have arbitration hearings scheduled.

The Flames’ arbitration hearings are scheduled as follows:

As a result of having arbitration hearings scheduled, the Flames will have access to the second buyout window. The second window opens 72 hours following either the announcement of their last arbitration result or the resolution of their final case. If all four players are signed by July 31, for example, the buyout window would begin on August 3. If their final result is announced on August 5, then the window would open on August 8.

Since Brad Treliving became Flames general manager in 2014, only two Flames players have had their arbitration cases make it to the hearing room. The time pressure of a looming hearing has generally been effective enough at getting both sides to hammer out deals.