The Nashville Predators have announced that they have accepted an arbitrator's one-year, $7.5 million contract for defenseman Shea Weber. Prior to going to arbitration, the team had been seeking $4.75 million, while Weber's agent was looking to get $8 million. Due to the arbitration ruling, he will be eligible for restricted free agency next summer instead of unrestricted free agency. The team announced that they are continuing to negotiate a long-term contract extension with the 26-year-old defenseman. In all 82 games last season, Weber had 16 goals and 32 assists for 48 points. He was a finalist for the Norris Trophy as the league's top defenseman this past season. In 402 career NHL games, all with the Predators, he has 80 goals and 134 assists for 214 points. This is an excellent signing for the Predators, as Weber has quickly developed into one of the top blueliners in the NHL. He has outstanding offensive skills, a great shot, is excellent on the power play and penalty kill, has good size, and plays with some grit. His salary seems a bit pricey for him at this stage of his career, but he is certainly worthy of a raise over the $4.5 million he made last season. Look for the Predators to sign Weber to a long-term contract before free agency begins next summer.
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