Report: PK Subban asking for $8.5 million in arbitration
By Cory Buck
PK Subban is once again locked in heated negotiations with the Montreal Canadiens. After having signed a two year bridge deal, Subban won a Norris trophy and led the team to the Eastern Conference Finals in subsequent seasons. Now it appears the Habs will have to make a big offer if they want to keep Subban next season.
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Ken Campbell at The Hockey News reports that Subban is asking for a one year $8.5 million award in arbitration while the team is countering with something much lower in mind.
P.K. Subban seeking $8.5 million in arbitration and the Canadiens are seeking $5.25 million on a one-year deal.
— Ken Campbell (@Ken_Campbell27) July 30, 2014
If an arbitrator draws a line in the middle of the two parties, he or she will put Subban’s contract at a hair more than $7 million for his services next year. That’s still likely a deal for the Canadiens as Subban has become the team’s most valuable skater and a massive driver of possession and offense. Subban has averaged more than ten goals and 30 assists over his four full seasons played in the NHL. Such production from the blue line is only skyrocketing in value as this summer’s free agency spending proved.
The Habs are clearly trying to save every penny before Subban sheds his restricted free agent status. Once Subban is unrestricted, the team will have no choice but to pay and pay big.
Habs elected for one-year award for Subban because they can take him to arb next summer. Also can negotiate new deal earlier on one year.
— Ken Campbell (@Ken_Campbell27) July 30, 2014
Expect Subban to play out this year before returning to the arbitration table once more in 2015. Eventually though, his long-term pay-day will come, and likely from the Canadiens.