The NHLPA announced on Friday that 14 NHL players have elected salary arbitration. Among them is Nashville Predators defenseman Spencer Stastney. Stastney, a restricted free agent, received a qualifying offer from the Predators before free agency opened on Monday. As stipulated by the CBA, Stastney's qualifying offer amount is $874,125 (105% of his base salary of $832,500 from last season). Stastney appeared in his first three career Stanley Cup Playoff contests for the Predators in April, skating in Games 1-3 of the team’s First Round series against Vancouver. He also appeared in 20 regular-season games with Nashville, recording four points (2g-2a) and a +9 rating. In 44 games with the AHL's Milwaukee Admirals this season, he established career highs in assists (15) and points (20) and represented Milwaukee in the 2024 AHL All-Star Classic. Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks to the media following a busy first day of free agency on July 1, 2024. Stastney and his camp likely believe that he is worth more than the CBA-designated price. Stastney and the Predators may now continue negotiating and agree to terms of a new contract before a certain date, or hold a hearing with a third-party arbitrator on said date. The date, still to be announced, will be between July 20 and August 4. Since he elected for salary arbitration, Stastney is not eligible for offer sheets and therefore cannot negotiate with other teams.
