NHL Inflation

This week, an NHL Arbitrator, on the second to last day of arbitration hearings, awarded Nashville's Shea Weber a one year, $7.5 million contract. Weber had been seeking $8.5 million, while the small market organization countered with an offer of $4.75 million. The award is the largest of its kind in NHL history. As a result of the deal, Weber will be a restricted free agent after this season.

The Predators reached the Western Conference semifinals for the first time in their 12 year history in 2010-2011 and Weber contributed five points in 12 playoff games. Known for his physical presence and booming clapper, 6'4", 234 lbs. defenceman from Sicamous, B.C. had 58 points in all 82 of Nashville's games. He has played his entire career in Nashville and appeared in several international competitions. Weber won gold at the 2005 WJC, the 2007 World Championships, and the 2010 Olympics.

In an off-season that saw Brian Campbell traded from the Blackhawks to the Panters, and teams slightly overpay for UFA'sTomas Kaberle and James Wisniewski, Weber is a coveted treasure. Nashville, like Boston in its negotiations with Kaberle, erred on the conservative side in anticipation of a lower cap ceiling next season. Coupled with Nashville's small market and more limited resources, Weber's new contract may be too much for the Preds to handle.

In addition to Weber, Pekka Rinne will also be a RFA next season. The 28 year old native of Finland backstopped the Predators to their first round toppling of Anaheim and put up world class numbers this past season. Rinne is in the second year of a two year, $6.75 million contract. He might be looking for 2-4 years in the range of $4 million. With a lower cap figure next year, the Predators, assuming they sign Weber this season for the $7.5 million, may be forced to make a difficult choice between signing a franchise defenceman and a franchise goalie. Based on the Predators success at finding and developing young goaltenders, they will be wise to sign Weber. Weber is truly a once in a decade talent similar to Chara, Stevens, and the like. Only the unsigned Kings defenceman, Drew Doughty has a similar upside.

The Blue Jackets, looking for steady defence and a solid puck-moving blueliner, severely overpaid for Wisniewski. Wisniewski had a good season in Montreal and played well in the playoffs despite having to wear a full cage due to a facial injury. He is best in a supporting role as a number 2 defenceman on the top pairing or as a second pairing defenceman. The Blue Jackets, although they did improve backend offence and special teams, will still be searching for a franchise defenceman come March and April. I cannot wait to see the UFA and RFA list next season when teams realize they cannot afford them under the new salary cap!