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Weber not going to arbitration, “still in disbelief” over Suter departure

Shea Weber

Nashville Predators defenseman Shea Weber scores against the Anaheim Ducks in the third period of an NHL hockey game on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Shea Weber and the Nashville Predators will not be headed to arbitration to decide the defenseman’s 2012-13 salary, reports CBC’s Elliotte Friedman.

Weber elected not to file, and the Preds don’t have the option, leaving the following scenarios:

-- The two sides negotiate a contract.

-- Weber signs an offer sheet that Nashville can either match or decline. If the Preds decline, they get compensation in the form of draft picks, as laid out here. If they match a one-year deal, they can’t trade him.

-- Weber is traded.

ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun spoke to Weber’s agent to see which way the 26-year-old was leaning after teammate and defensive partner Ryan Suter left for Minnesota.

“He’s still in disbelief,” said Kevin Epp. “They were so close this year in terms of the team’s chances. They really had a shot. Shea believed there was a good chance that Ryan would stay there. So, right now, Shea is still processing this news.”

Epp says “there’s no deadline” to the process, though Preds GM David Poile may not agree there. If Weber isn’t willing to commit long-term, Poile may be forced to trade his captain. And if that’s what he has to do, he’ll probably want to get going as soon as possible. No sense dragging it out. Onward and upward. Or downward. Whatever.