Penguins request one year award if Spaling, team go to arbitration Thursday

The Pittsburgh Penguins have officially requested a one year award for Nick Spaling, if Spaling and the team go to arbitration tomorrow, Inside Pittsburgh Sports has learned.

Pittsburgh had the option to elect a one or two year award. Pittsburgh had been attempting to resign Spaling and avoid tomorrow’s arbitration hearing, but a team source says as of this morning the team anticipates going to arbitration as the sides remain far apart. No new talks are planned today yet, though, that can always change between now and tomorrow as deadlines almost always lead to deals

The Penguins last arbitration case was in 2005 with Dick Tarnstrom.

The Spaling camp believes they can get at least $2.5 million in arbitration and have asked for $2.85 million. As mentioned before, they have looked very closely at the award given to Vladimir Sobotka ($2.75 MM).

Pittsburgh is requesting $1.65 million. Spaling is not eligible for unrestricted free agency until July 1, 2016.

It both sides met in the middle, which arbitrators like to do, Spaling would receive $2.25 million.

Pittsburgh made a two year offer to Spaling over a week ago that was countered.