July 25, 2025 | 12:40pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

NO TRACTION YET ON DEAL FOR TIMMINS, SABRES

Conor Timmins, defenceman

As NHL clubs try to avoid salary arbitration with their restricted free agents, the Buffalo Sabres may end up in a hearing involving defenceman Conor Timmins.

Timmins, 26, was acquired by the Sabres on June 28 in a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins. His arbitration hearing is scheduled for Aug. 2.

According to two sources with knowledge of contract negotiations, there has not yet been any “traction” between the two sides on a new deal.

Timmins and the Sabres can avoid arbitration by agreeing to a new deal up until the arbitration hearing begins.

In 68 games split with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Penguins, Timmins registered three goals and 12 assists for a career-high 15 points, along with 30 penalty minutes.

Earlier today, the New York Islanders avoided arbitration with forward Maxim Tsyplakov, agreeing to terms on a two-year, $4.5 million contract.