3 Notable RFA Names Make Up the List of Remaining Arbitration Cases

As of early Saturday evening, 11 of the 14 scheduled arbitration cases in the NHL this summer have been put to bed, 10 of them by a settlement, one by an arbitration award. But that leaves three restricted free agent cases still to be heard — and they are all notable.

Martin Necas, Carolina Hurricanes

The 25-year-old has been one of the most talked-about players in the league this offseason, as he was seemingly on the verge of being dealt on numerous occasions. Necas has asked for a trade, and a fresh start elsewhere. 

But after scoring 52 goals over the past two seasons, Necas apparently will have to make the most of it in Raleigh to start next season, as new Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky has said, come settlement or arbitration award, Necas isn't going anywhere. At least not for now. His hearing is on Aug. 4th, so the two sides still have over a week to come to an agreement.

Ryan Lindgren, New York Rangers

The 26-year-old defenseman once again played a key role on the Rangers blueline this past season, playing over 19 minutes a game and recording a plus/minus rating of +22. His hearing is Aug. 2nd, giving the two sides less than a week to come up with a settlement. There's still no definitive route this could take — it could range anywhere from a long-term deal to a one-year agreement, to an arbitration award.

Kirill Marchenko, Columbus Blue Jackets

Much has been made lately of Marchenko's confusion over why he hasn't received a "worthy" offer as of yet, but new GM Don Waddell explained his thinking on the delay as a case where neither side wants to "get burned."

His hearing is coming up much quicker, on July 31st, but it is expected that some sort of agreement on a short-term deal will be reached before then. 

*Update*: Marchenko has agreed to a multi-year extension. 

Photo: © Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports