With the New York Rangers set to go to arbitration with Brendan Lemieux on Friday, the two sides revealed their numbers
When it comes to arbitration, both sides have to provide their salary figures in filings within 48 hours of the scheduled hearing and now we know what Brendan Lemieux is looking for and the Rangers are willing to play. As reported by Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, Lemeiux is asking for a one year deal at $2 million a year and the Rangers are offering a two year contract that pays $950k in year one and $1.075 million in year two.
That means the Rangers’ offer carries an Average Annual Value (AAV) of $1.0125 million.
Lemieux is coming off a one year deal at $925k. In 59 games he scored six goals and added 12 assists for 18 points. He led the team in penalty minutes with 111. The 24 year old left winger was one of the more physical Ranger players, but was prone to be a target of referees and ended the regular season on suspension for an illegal hit.
His $2 million number has to be considered high, but the Rangers offer of a $25k raise has to be a lowball number.
Here’s what to know about the arbitration.
- The arbitrator doesn’t have to accept one or the other number. He can come down anywhere in between and in most cases he will split the difference. In this case, that would mean an arbitration award of around $1.5 million.
- As a result, Lemieux has to ask for more than he thinks he is going to get. Just as the Rangers have to offer less than they are willing to pay.
- Because Lemieux filed for arbitration, the Rangers were able to request the term (two years).
- Not only the salary can be determined by the arbitrator. He can also decide on the term (one or two years). If the arbitrator decides on a two year award, there can be an increase in the second year.
- The player and the team have to accept the ruling of the arbitrator.
The two sides will continue to negotiate up to the arbitration hearing and it’s very possible that they will settle as it looks like the two sides are fairly close in terms of dollars. One important factor could be if Lemieux doesn’t want to do a two year deal. He may settle for less money and gamble that he will have a better year that will raise his value after next season when he would be an arbitration eligible Restricted Free Agent again.
There are only three remaining arbitration cases as the Islanders settled with Ryan Pulock and the Senators inked Christian Jaros. Ryan Strome and Brendan Lemieux have their hearings later this week along with defenseman MacKenzie Weegar of the Florida Panthers.