IT appears the Winnipeg Jets and forward Andrew Copp are at a crossroads. And for a second straight summer, an independent arbitrator will be required to settle a contract stalemate.
Copp, 25, a restricted free agent, has filed for a one-year deal at US$2.9 million. The Jets have countered with a two-year offer that would pay US$1.5 million per season.
An arbitrator is set to hear arguments from both sides on Sunday in Toronto if a deal can’t be reached by then. Contract talks can also continue beyond the hearing up until the point a binding two-year decision is rendered, likely later in the week.