Subban files for arbitration

[Jasmine]

http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/great ... bitration/

The Montreal Canadiens and star defenseman P.K. Subban will live in contractual harmony for at least one more season, probably two. That was guaranteed when Subban filed for salary arbitration before the Saturday deadline.

[Dean Ambrose]

Re: Subban files for arbitration

Ugh. Please negotiate a deal with him before then and make it long term. The thought of him getting another two year deal, which would take him to UFA, scares me.

I hope Bergevin isn't trying to low ball him. At least no other team can offer sheet him now.

[Josh]

Re: Subban files for arbitration

Oh shit. Subban UFA in two years. That's gonna' be crazy!

[Jasmine]

Re: Subban files for arbitration

Looking at this from another perspective, if it does go to arbitration, he will not be over nor under paid. (he should be compared to Doughty, Karlsson, Ekman Larsson...) It also gives Mtl 2 years to work out a long time deal before he does reach UFA. Plus this way, it prevents another team from putting in an offer sheet.

[Dean Ambrose]

Re: Subban files for arbitration

I just don't understand Bergevin's angle.

Subban caved in for the organization and signed a bridge year at two years at less than what he's worth to "prove himself" which was the entire point of the bridge deal. A Norris trophy later and shining as the best player on the team, and we're right back at this shit again. Subban has every right to ask for $8.5M or whatever he's asking. Bergevin should get off his high horse and reward him already. 8 years, because if it's 2 years, I really don't know if Subban will return after two contract disputes like this.

He would REALLY have Bergevin by the balls in two years if he were heading to UFA and could command the absolute max salary for all this shit.

[Alfie11]

Re: Subban files for arbitration

Yeah, I don't see many good outcomes for Bergevin if that's the route he's taking. As you said, the Habs told Subban if he wanted to earn big money and get paid like an elite defenseman he has to go out there over the two years and prove himself as just that. Two years later, he did just that. The Habs have literally no choice but to cave in on Subban's demands, for the best of their team.

I think it's important this gets done before arbitration as that can really ruin the relationship between a player and a general manager.

[Alfie11]

Re: Subban files for arbitration

I think it's important this gets done before arbitration as that can really ruin the relationship between a player and a general manager.

And arbitration has begun. What is Montreal doing?

[Matt the Aussie]

Re: Subban files for arbitration

If you think about it, there's no motivation for Subban to settle this before arbitration.

Montreal will only offer the big bucks if PK commits long term. Why commit long term to Montreal when you can still get good money for 1 or 2 years, then become UFA and REALLY cash in?

[Alfie11]

Re: Subban files for arbitration

That's true. But it's been settled that Subban's arbitration deal will be one year, which will still leave him as a RFA. But he could still sign an offer-sheet next season if Montreal does not offer him a one-year deal, and force Montreal to give him the deal.

Nevertheless, arbitration is hell for the player-management relationship. That's why you see teams desperate try to sign them before it gets that far. I wouldn't be shocked to see Subban in another teams jersey within a few years.

[Josh]

Re: Subban files for arbitration

P.K. Subban, Montreal Canadiens (Aug. 1)

He's the most prominent defenseman to hit arbitration since the Nashville Predators took Shea Weber to a hearing and he received a record $7.5 million award in 2011.

Their stats are pretty similar. Weber averaged more goals a game (0.2 to 0.16) during the two seasons leading up to his hearing, but Subban averaged more points (0.73 to 0.59). Their ice time and plus-minus also are similar over the two years.

Weber was a Norris Trophy finalist in 2010-11 and Subban won the trophy in 2012-13.

If this gets to a hearing, a record could be set.

[Dean Ambrose]

Re: Subban files for arbitration

FUCK BERGEVIN

[Josh]

Re: Subban files for arbitration

Just signed an 8-year deal!

[Josh]

Re: Subban files for arbitration

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=458569

[Josh]

Re: Subban files for arbitration

My guess is it will be in the vicinity of a $56M deal - $7M AAV.

[Josh]

Re: Subban files for arbitration

Holy shit! It's a $72M deal with a $9M AAV! He has the third-highest cap hit in the league, after only Ovi and Geno..