Report: Two Penguins set to file for salary arbitration

With Pittsburgh Penguins restricted free-agents Conor Sheary and defenseman Brian Dumoulin still without a contract after nearly a week into the NHL’s free-agency period, the pair have until 5pm ET today to file for salary arbitration. And, in fact, that’s exactly what Penguins GM Jim Rutherford expects the pair to do.

“We don’t have an agreement with them,” said Rutherford when discussing the ongoing negations with Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Jason Mackey. “Five o’clock today, I think, is the filing [deadline] for arbitration. I would expect that’s what they’re going to do.”

Coincidentally both Sheary and Dumoulin share the same representation, simplifying Rutherford’s negotiations with the team’s two unsigned players. By electing to take their case to arbitration, the players will get an opportunity to present their case for a salary raise in front of a judge, who will render a binding judgement between the team and the player. Of course, the team and the players’ agent can still negotiate in advance of any judgement and, typically, a deal is usually in place before any ruling comes down.

So, what are Sheary and Dumoulin worth to the Pens? Do you think they strike a deal before a judge rules?