Flyers’ Zegras and Drysdale file for salary arbitration

Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale filed for salary arbitration on Sunday, July 5, 2026, just before the 5pm ET deadline. The move keeps the door open for a hearing but signals both players are ready to push contract talks with the Philadelphia Flyers forward.

Zegras had a breakout first season with the Flyers. He notched 26 goals and 67 points—both career-highs—after leaving his previous deal worth $5.75 million annually. Drysdale’s last contract came in at $2.3 million per year.

Filing for arbitration themselves means both players can’t be targeted by other teams with offer sheets. It’s a calculated move: keeps the Flyers honest while preventing rival clubs from making a play. Under NHL arbitration rules, the arbitrator doesn’t have to pick either side’s proposed salary—they can land anywhere in between. Whichever side didn’t file arbitration gets to decide if the new deal runs one or two years.

The numbers tell the real story. Last year, 11 restricted free agents filed for arbitration and every single one signed a deal before their hearing ever happened. Arbitration hearings are scheduled for July 20 through August 1, 2026, which means there’s not much time to hammer out a new agreement.

Both Zegras and Drysdale want to stay in Philadelphia. This filing could be exactly what’s needed to close the gap and get both sides across the finish line.