Subban's agent: 'Our objective ... is to reach a settlement with Montreal on a long-term contract'
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Montreal Canadiens superstar defenseman P.K. Subban has an arbitration hearing scheduled Friday in Toronto.
The electric 25-year-old defender, who is represented by Don Meehan of Newport Sports Management, is reportedly poised to seek an $8.5-million salary at the hearing. The Canadiens have countered with a $5.25 million salary target.
Though the two sides are far apart in terms of their arbitration asks, there's no enmity on either side, according to Meehan.
"We understand that the mechanism of arbitration is an option under the collective bargaining agreement and we all understand the nuances of the CBA and understand each other's respective rights, and we act accordingly," explained Meehan during an appearance on Sportsnet 590 The Fan's "Prime Time Sports" on Wednesday.
"We take a very healthy attitude towards the process, and I know P.K. does as well, and I believe that Montreal does," continued Meehan. "This isn't an issue whereby we want, or Montreal wants, anything in that hearing to be taken personally. I'm sure they don't have intentions of that nature, because if they did, that would only prove to be damaging to their long-term interests. And we feel the same way."
Related: 3 things you need to know about NHL salary arbitration
Meehan explained that he'd touch base again with Canadiens brass when they arrive in Toronto on Thursday ahead of the hearing. While the hour is getting late for a negotiated settlement between the Canadiens and their prized defender, Meehan insisted that there's still plenty of time for the two sides to hammer out an agreement:
There's always enough time in that respect (getting a deal done before a hearing). In terms of this negotiation we've been at it for some time now, both sides have worked very hard, a number of people on both sides have contributed their thoughts and theories and views in relation to this whole process. So I think through a collective means, through everyone contributing, there's always time to do that. We're all trying to do our best to see if we can come up with something that makes sense from both side's point of view.
The 63-year-old player agent was also asked directly about his client's recent comments concerning the possibility of returning to play for his hometown club, the Toronto Maple Leafs. Meehan's answer should assuage any fears of Subban suiting up in blue and white that Canadiens fans might entertain:
Far too soon to have any thoughts of (Subban leaving Montreal). We have a long period of time before P.K. becomes a UFA and really our objective is to concentrate our best efforts in trying to reach a settlement with Montreal on a long-term contract.