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Vegas Golden Knights: Nate Schmidt Arbitration Update

By Dave Stevenson

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 05: Nate Schmidt #88 of the Washington Capitals skates against the Los Angeles Kings in the second period during an NHL game at Verizon Center on February 5, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 05: Nate Schmidt #88 of the Washington Capitals skates against the Los Angeles Kings in the second period during an NHL game at Verizon Center on February 5, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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The Vegas Golden Knights and defenseman Nate Schmidt are scheduled for arbitration on Thursday, August 3. But the two sides still disagree on salary and term. 

The Vegas Golden Knights haven’t even played an official NHL game yet. However, this doesn’t mean they don’t have contract disputes like every other team. So far, the Golden Knights have settled with all but one of their free agents. The lone item left on their to do list is re-sign restricted free agent defenseman Nate Schmidt.

However, the two sides remain a ways a part in the negotiation phase. They have an arbitration hearing set for Thursday, August 3. Unless something changes, expect the two sides to require it for something to be worked out.

Reportedly, Schmidt wants a one-year deal worth $2.75 million. The Golden Knights are countering with a two-year deal, which would give the former Washington Capitals blue liner a $950,000 salary in the first year and $1 million in the second.

That’s a pretty fair discrepancy between the two sides. However, it’s worth noting this is standard procedure for arbitration cases. It’s similar to buying a car. Naturally, the dealer is going to want to sell the car for the highest price he or she can. But with the buyer wanting to buy the car at the lowest price he or she can, there’s usually a pretty big difference initially.

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The two sides in this case would negotiate until both sides feel content with the price. Arbitration cases, namely in the NHL, have a very similar process. Should Schmidt and the Golden Knights go to arbitration and not reach an agreement before the judge’s ruling, it would be the first time this offseason that the player and team haven’t settled.

Don’t expect this to be a huge issue for either side. Schmidt, after two roughly league minimum contracts, wants to get paid. That’s normal. And it’s reasonable for the Golden Knights to want to see more from Schmidt, who has rarely gotten consistent playing time in his career, before committing any significant money to him.

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General Manager George McPhee really wanted Schmidt, so expect a settlement before the judge gives his ruling. Perhaps the hearing on Thursday will help the two sides get closer to an agreement. Nobody likes to go through arbitration, so maybe that will play a factor into this situation as well.

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