"The Predators' decision to go to salary arbitration with Shea Weber on Tuesday cemented one fact: Within 48 hours there would be finality to the star defenseman's contract situation.

The aftereffects could be damaging for the Nashville Predators, however.

Despite meeting Monday and early Tuesday, the team and its captain were unable to settle on a contract before the 8 a.m. hearing in Toronto, where each side argued Weber's worth in front of an arbitrator.

The Predators recommended an award of $4.75 million, a source close to the situation said. Weber's agents with Titan Sports Management asked for $8.5 million. The award is for one year, as determined by Weber's agents.

The arbitrator, who has to rule within 48 hours after the hearing, will come to his own number. It probably will fall somewhere in between both awards, though is likely to be closer to Weber's.

The Predators filed for arbitration with Weber, a restricted free agent, in order to prevent another team from signing him to an offer sheet.

Because they filed, the Predators must accept the arbitrator's number, which will be Weber's salary for the upcoming season.

No matter the outcome, the team's relationship with Weber could be hurt.

Arbitration hearings include 90-minute arguments by both sides, meaning the Predators had to present a case that Weber — a Norris Trophy runner-up, an Olympic gold medalist, a two-time All-Star and the first captain from the their own system — was worth $4.75 million for one season. Based on current salaries, that would make Weber the 26th highest-paid defenseman next season.

Weber's most recent contract, which expired July 1, was for $13.5 million over three years."