Unlike the St. Louis Blues, who struck a last-minute deal with Colton Parayko, the Detroit Red Wings were unable to come to terms with Tomas Tatar, meaning an arbitration hearing went ahead today.
Tatar had 25 goals in 82 games last season. The 26-year-old forward can only be awarded a one-year deal, as he can become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
So unless the two sides can come together on a long-term contract before the arbitrator rules, Tatar may end up becoming a trade chip for GM Ken Holland to play.
After all, the Wings will be hard-pressed to make the playoffs next year, and they can’t afford to lose Tatar for nothing.
The Athletic’s Craig Custance believes that Tatar will be awarded a one-year deal worth “around $4.8 million.”
Tatar has said that a one-year deal would likely mean his “last season in Detroit.”
Related: Wings, Tatar over $1 million apart as arbitration looms