The Montreal Canadiens and defenseman P.K. Subban have an arbitration hearing scheduled for Friday morning, but they might come to terms on a contract agreement before that point.
Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston reported Thursday that the Habs have offered the 2013 Norris Trophy winner a long-term pact.
“It’s very likely still that P.K. Subban is going to agree to a long-term deal before this goes to an arbitrator,” Johnston reports.
“I’ve been told (the Canadiens)Â have a significant offer on the table, believed to be an eight-year deal,” Johnston continues. “In these final hours it’s just about trying to massage that number back and forth and get to that final point.”
Subban reportedly is seeking $8.5 million for the 2014-15 season in arbitration, while the Canadiens have countered with $5.25 million. Settling in arbitration is rare, and the last player to go to arbitration was Nashville Predators defenseman Shea Weber in 2011. His award of $7.5 million for the 2011-12 season is the highest ever in arbitration.
Subban tallied 53 points (10 goals, 43 assists) in 82 games during the 2013-14 campaign. He added 14 points (five goals, nine assists) in 17 playoff games as the Canadiens advanced to the Eastern Conference finals.
H/t to Thomas Drance at theScore.ca
