Music: {allcanada} Arbitration hearing concludes for Canadiens' Subban

Friday, August 1, 2014

{allcanada} Arbitration hearing concludes for Canadiens' Subban

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The arbitration hearing between defenseman P.K. Subban and the Montreal Canadiens has concluded in Toronto, according to multiple media outlets.

"It's been an educational process for me," Subban told reporters after the hearing, which went through after he and the Canadiens could not agree on a new contract. "Obviously there's dialogue and discussion and decisions were made today in relations to both of our positions. Ultimately we have to live with those decisions and move on from here. That's what I'm ready to do, just move on and get ready for the season."

Subban is now likely to receive the salary determined by the arbitrator, though the two sides can continue to negotiate until the decision comes down. The arbitrator has 48 hours to decide.

Subban's agent, Don Meehan, told Sportsnet's Chris Johnston there are no plans to continue negotiating a long-term contract before the arbitration award.

Subban said talk of signing a long-term contract was "a discussion for a later date, not a discussion for today, obviously."

The 25-year-old restricted free agent tied for fifth among NHL defensemen last season with 53 points in 82 games and led the Canadiens with 14 points in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, averaging 27:26 of ice time per game. He earned $3.75 million last season, with a $2.875 million salary-cap charge, in the final season of a two-year contract.

Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin declined to speak with reporters.

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