NHL Arbitrator comes out, explains why Nashville Predators Shea Weber was given favour –NHL Update
Being a defenseman in the National Hockey League (NHL) is never easy, since even the best of the best are considered below a number of players due to their points and goal scoring. It should always be kept in mind that defenders are not scorers, thus they
have their own system of ranking.
The NHL arbitrator that dealt with Nashville Predators appeal for a salary arbitration hearing came out of the darkness on Sunday, August 14, and revealed why he made the decision he did after the hearing concluded, that was easily observed in favour of
Weber.
According to Michel Picher, who was the ruling authority in this situation, Shea Weber is by far one of the leagues’ best defenseman and truly deserves what he was awarded with. Weber was compared with a number of players who ranked similar; in order to
view the salary they were drawing. Finally, Weber was compared with the best, including names like Chicago Blackhawks Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook.
“All that I can know is that in the coming season, Mr. Seabrook, who in my view has not achieved to the level of Shea Weber, will receive $7 million”, Picher said. “I find Mr. Weber’s position relative to Duncan Keith to be somewhat more problematic, [but]
I am satisfied that Shea Weber should be placed slightly below Duncan Keith in the compensation market for the coming season”.
In an offseason which did not see many arbitration hearings at all, Weber’s case was truly special and different in every sense. It was also unique in the sense that normally players file for the salary hearing, but in this case, Nashville Predators had
done the honours.
Shea Weber, a native of Sicamous, British Columbia, Canada, was drafted as the 49th overall by Nashville Predators during round-two of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft and has been one of the top contributing players for the team since then.
Last season, the 26-year-old potted 48 points (16 goals, 32 assists) in 82 games, which just goes to show that his peak performing days are still ahead, which Nashville could truly benefit from.
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