Blue Jackets and Jet Greaves Head to Arbitration Hearing

The Columbus Blue Jackets and goaltender Jet Greaves will take their contract dispute to arbitration on July 23 in Toronto. According to unionandblue.com, the team has requested a one-year contract ruling if the case proceeds to a hearing.

Greaves, 25, is coming off a strong 2025-26 season in which he posted a 26-19-9 record with a .908 save percentage and 2.60 goals-against average in 55 games, according to thehockeynews.com. He recorded two shutouts and established himself as Columbus's starting goalie.

The Blue Jackets filed for arbitration for both Greaves and forward Cole Sillinger, whose hearing is scheduled for July 27. By requesting one-year terms, Columbus would retain the players as restricted free agents next summer rather than walking them toward unrestricted free agency with two-year deals.

General manager Don Waddell has until the hearing dates to reach agreements with both players. The arbitrator will determine salary if the cases go to a ruling, with the team limited to requesting either one or two-year contract terms under NHL arbitration rules.

Greaves is entering his prime years as a goaltender. His performance last season came during a campaign where Columbus struggled defensively, often leaving him to face high-danger chances. The restricted free agent is seeking a deal that reflects his emergence as a legitimate NHL starter.

Columbus has significant salary cap space available, giving the team flexibility to sign its restricted free agents. Whether the sides can close the gap before the hearing remains to be seen, but the July 23 date sets a firm deadline for negotiations.