Shea Weber, Nashville Predators await verdict after entering arbitration hearing –NHL offseason Update
In one of the rare cases the National Hockey League (NHL) has had to witness since the free agency started on July 1, Nashville Predators defenseman, Shea Weber, and the team are now awaiting verdict by the arbiter, who heard the club-elected hearing on
Tuesday, which lasted a reported 90-minutes.
The arbiter, according to the rules, has 48 hours (2 days) to give his decision in favour of either each stakeholder.
Shea Weber became the only player in the NHL to have entered into arbitration because of it being held on behalf of the franchise, rather than the player like in normal situations. According to sources, the 25-year-old high performing defenseman had put
up a demand to sign a one-year, $8.5 million contract, but the club was fixated on $4.75 million instead for the same length.
The decision, which is likely to be in between both wanted amounts, must then be followed by Nashville since they were the ones to have filed for the hearing. Keeping Shea Weber a restricted free agent and off of the market up until this time had zeroed
his chances of being signed on to other teams, which Predators must ultimately compensate for.
It is also expected that the Predators club will easily accept the decision, whatever it might be for or against, since Weber remains one of their top contributing forces, which they cannot lose due to any reason.
Playing as a defenseman and still picking up 48 points (16 goals, 32 assists) last season, is an impressive feat, if lost, could be devastating for Nashville.
Picked by Nashville as their 49th overall pick of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Shea Weber has remained a part of the roster ever since.
Having played six seasons so far in the major league with Predators makes Weber one of the clubs most valuable players, which continue to improve with the passage of time. Currently at only 25, Weber has still to reach his primetime, which could lead the
Predators into their first Stanley Cup Finals in club history.
Seeing Weber back on the ice with Nashville is high expected, since he is a player that not only provides overall depth, but a deep understanding of the game as well.
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