"Nashville's Shea Weber earned a stunning arbitration decision Wednesday at one-year for $7.5 million.

The decision was interesting for two reasons.

1. It sets a very high comparable for restricted free agents, and comparables are what agents use in trying to negotiate for their clients.

2. Nashville actually made the decision to take Weber to arbitration (in hopes of avoiding an offer sheet from another team), and other teams clearly will think twice about using that strategy in the future.

Now, why is this important to Stars fans? Well, defenseman Alex Goligoski can become a restricted free agent next summer -- and while he doesn't have the numbers that Weber has, he might by next summer. Goligoski had five goals and 10 assists for 15 points in 23 games last season. If he continues at that pace this season, he'll be among the top 10 in scoring among defensemen. If the Stars' power play is better (and it very well could be), he could be one of the top-scoring defensemen in the NHL.

Now, Goligoski does not have the physical presence of Weber, and most do not believe he is the "franchise" type of defenseman that Weber is and will be. But...a rising tide lifts all boats. If Weber gets $7.5 million, would it be out of the realm of reality to think Goligoksi might could get $6 million?"