During the likely NHL lockout, Lou Lamoriello shouldn’t be among the anti-arbitration militants. The procedure worked just fine for the Devils’ GM this week.
Lamoriello emerged triumphant from his set of cases, capped by yesterday’s verdict that set Norris Trophy winner Scott Niedermayer’s salary at $7 million next season.
Niedermayer’s salary will become the highest in Devils’ history, just above the previous unofficial ceiling of $6.9 million due Scott Stevens and Martin Brodeur, whose deals are calculated at that figure due to deferrals.
Still, Niedermayer appears a bargain at that price, especially in light of Chris Pronger’s $9.5 million salary and $500,000 bonus for signing last month with the Blues.
“Fair enough,” Niedermayer said. “It’s pretty close to what I expected coming out of [the hearing], so I’m not disappointed.”
The Devils are believed to have made their case at $6 million while Niedermayer sought $9 million from the arbitrator in Wednesday’s hearing.
Niedermayer said he was not angered nor insulted by any of the tactics or evidence given by the Devils in the hearing.
Lamoriello already had held Scott Gomez’ arbitration salary to $2.9 million, more than the estimated $2.3 million Lamoriello is believed to have bid but far below the $3.8 million Gomez is thought to have sought.
And Brian Rafalski accepted a $100,000 raise from last year’s salary he turned down, choosing to avoid arbitration in which Lamoriello is believed to have been ready to present a case for a $200,000 pay cut.
Niedermayer’s award would seem to strengthen Lamoriello’s case in offering his defenseman a five-year deal worth some $40 million, including likely deferrals and bonuses.
Niedermayer is believed to be seeking $45 million over five years.
He said he remains open to signing long-term with the Devils before he becomes an unrestricted free agent under current rules at the end of the coming season.
New Jersey also signed center Pascal Rheaume, an unrestriced free agent who becomes a three-time Devil.