Alex Jefferies’ arbitration filing grants New York crucial roster flexibility, potentially triggering a specific buyout window to clear cap space by parting with high-priced veteran contracts.
New York Islanders restricted free agent Alex Jefferies has filed for salary arbitration ahead of Sunday's 5 PM ET deadline, which means the club will receive a second buyout window later this summer.
Jefferies, who recorded 29 points (nine goals, 20 assists) in 60 games for the Bridgeport Islanders this past season, received his qualifying offer worth $850,000 on June 5.
The 24-year-old was selected by the Islanders in the fourth round (No. 121) of the 2020 NHL Draft.
Per the rules, the second buyout window is for players with AAV of $4 million or more, making only forward Ondrej Palat, with his $6 million cap hit, eligible, but not Pierre Engvall ($3 million) or Anthony Duclair ($3.5 million.
The second window will open exactly three days after Jefferies' salary arbitration is settled or awarded.
