"I wasn't in Shea Weber's arbitration hearing on Tuesday, so I don't know what was said.

But I can tell you what other teams/agents are saying: For the first time, they think the Predators are really in trouble with Weber. There was always a recognition that dealing with all three of Weber, Ryan Suter and Pekka Rinne was going to be impossible, but, assumed the captain was priority number one.

None of the particulars (Weber, agents Kevin Epp/Jarrett Bousquet, Predators GM David Poile, AGM Paul Fenton or directory of hockey operations Brian Poile) were talking afterward. What we do know is that Weber submitted $8.5 million US as his objective and the Predators offered $4.75 million. The arbitrator has 48 hours to choose a number, and it does NOT have to be either submission.

That's undoubtedly why Nashville picked that low figure. While it would make him the highest paid player on the roster, that's far below market value. But it gives the arbitrator plenty of room below the agents' number, which would make Weber the highest paid defenceman in the NHL by average salary. (In actual cash Christian Ehrhoff will make $10 million next season. Ehrhoff's contract, or, say, Mike Komisarek's, cannot be used as a comparable in Weber's arbitration because they are UFA deals.)

What does all of this mean? God knows, and maybe He's confused, too.

But, as one agent said, "This is the strategy for a player who wants to leave."

Look at all of those who have avoided arbitration this summer. So far, everybody but Weber and one other: Chris Campoli, and that was a pre-arranged deal because both sides wanted a divorce. Look over the past few years and see how many players who have gone through the hearing remained long-term afterwards."