From Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

The Penguins yesterday filed for salary arbitration with goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, a move that gives the club more time to negotiate a long-term deal with him.

Had the Penguins not filed for salary arbitration Fleury could have become a restricted free agent July 1. By filing, the Penguins extend their exclusive negotiating time with Fleury by a month or more.

Arbitration hearings are set by the National Hockey League and take place between July 20 and Aug. 4. The Penguins are free to continue negotiating with Fleury between now and then.

“By filing for salary arbitration it gives us extra time to negotiate with Marc-Andre,” Penguins general manager Ray Shero said. “As a result of the filing, Penguins fans are assured Marc-Andre will be under contract with our club next season. We remain committed to negotiating a contract with him in the near future.”

Read the remainder of the article here.

The NHL needs to modify its arbitration system, but that conversation is for another day. As for Fleury, I’d say there is little chance that the team takes him to arbitration. Arbitration can be very hard on a player’s confidence, and I don’t see the Penguins going that route with their young netminder. Thus, we should expect the two sides to come to terms on a long-term deal within the next month or so.

Richard Pollock

Share
Published by
Richard Pollock

Recent Posts

Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel media availability on day 1 of training camp

He kicks off his first year as bench boss in Winnipeg on day 1 of…

15 hours ago

Day 1 of Winnipeg Jets training camp: Vladislav Namestnikov

We heard from the versatile forward after the afternoon session on day 1 of training…

15 hours ago

Observations of Team Lesuk on day 1 of Winnipeg Jets training camp

Second group hits the ice at hockey for all centre.

17 hours ago

Day 1 of Winnipeg Jets training camp: Nikita Chibrikov

Coming into his second training camp the Jets 2021 2nd rounder is feeling confident.

18 hours ago

Day 1 of Winnipeg Jets training camp: Josh Morrissey

Hear from number 44 after first skate of training camp.

18 hours ago