Arbitration could be necessary to close the gap between the Anaheim Ducks and defenseman Brandon Montour in contract talks.
The two sides will go before an arbiter Tuesday. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports that Montour's seeking a one-year deal worth $4.75 million, while the Ducks want a two-year pact that pays $1.5 million per season.
The 24-year-old Montour is a restricted free agent coming off a three-year, entry-level contract that carried a $925,000 average annual value.
Ducks general manager Bob Murray said Saturday that the two sides were working toward a two-year extension after failing to agree on a long-term deal.
In 80 appearances last season, Montour tallied nine goals and 32 points, good for second among Anaheim blue-liners.
