Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: It’s believed that Shea Weber’s side asked for a 1 year deal worth $8.5 million in their arbitration hearing yesterday morning. The Predators countered with $4.75 million. The Predators likely figured Weber’s would ask for a high number, so they countered with a low number, and hope to meet somewhere in the middle. It would be interesting to hear the Predators argue that Weber’s worth $4.75 million. The arbitrator has 48 hours to come down with a ruling. Cooper feels the Preds relationship with Weber could be hurt by this process. Both sides can continue to work on a long-term contract. Weber would be a RFA after next season if they can’t reach an extension, and the Predators can’t file for arbitration, meaning other teams could sign him to an offer sheet.
Josh Cooper via twitter: The $4.75 million numbers has drawn much attention, but remember is wasn’t the number that the Predators were negotiation with during contract talks.
James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Mirtle points out that 9 of the last 10 players to go to arbitration have played with another team the following season. The only player not to move on, Shaone Morrisonn, did so after 2 years. Weber moved to Titan Sports Management from Don Meehan about 2 months ago, and got a rate 1/2 of what he was paying Newport Sports to represent him.
Dirk Hoag of On the Forecheck: Hoag wonders how the Predators and Weber couldn’t agree to a short term worth between $6-7 million to avoid the ugly arbitration process. Both sides must have realize that the arbitrator woudl rule somewhere between their submitted numbers.
Jim Diamond of the Nashville Examiner: Diamond writes the $4.75 million submitted by the Predators is “borderline insulting.” This could also “widen the schism” between Weber and the Preds. Sources have said that Weber was angered that the Predators filed for arbitration.
