The ruling is in and Nate Schmidt is richer.
The 26-year-old restricted free agent defenseman went to binding arbitration Thursday and on Saturday was awarded $2.15 million for the upcoming season and $2.3 million for 2018-19 after both sides were unable to reach their own deal.
Schmidt originally asked for $2.75 million for one season while the Knights countered with two years with a total of $1.9 million. Schmidt made $875,000 last season as a member of the Washington Capitals and had three goals and 14 assists in 60 games. He was left unprotected by Washington in the NHL Expansion Draft June 21 and claimed by the Knights.