Report: Canadiens' Subban seeking $8.5-million in salary arbitration
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The Montreal Canadiens and defenseman P.K. Subban have entered the ask-and-counter phase of the arbitration process, with both sides submitting their numbers Wednesday morning in advance of a hearing scheduled for later this week.
The NHL's salary arbitration process, outlined here, requires the two sides exchange briefs no less than 48 hours before the start of their scheduled hearing.
Subban/MON arbitration asks: Player -- $8.5M. Team -- $5.25. No doubt both sides will work to get deal done beforehand
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 30, 2014
Montreal's number - on a one-year deal - would slot Subban slightly higher than the likes of James Wisniewski, Tyler Myers, Jay Bouwmeester and Dennis Wideman, and behind teammate Andrei Markov in terms of 2014-15 salary.
The $8.5 million figure from Subban's side, on the other hand, would make him the third-highest-paid defenseman in the League in terms of base salary, behind only Shea Weber and Ryan Suter.
P.K. Subban's arbitration ask of $8.5M would give him the highest AAV among NHL defencemen. Shea Weber's offer sheet ($7.86M) is tops now.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 30, 2014
Note, however, that only Group 2 free agents can be used as comparables in the actual hearing.
As mentioned by Friedman, the two sides are likely working towards agreeing to terms on a new contract before Friday's hearing.