Canucks take Raymond to arbitration, Jets re-sign Slater.

Canucks take Raymond to arbitration.

TSN.CA reported this evening the Vancouver Canucks have filed “cutdown” arbitration with winger Mason Raymond, who was slated for restricted free agent status on July 1, rather than make him a qualifying offer. As per the website: ” Raymond made $2.6 million and the arbitrator may not award a salary less than 85% of that amount or $2.21 million. It’s a Club Elected Salary Arbitration for players who were making more than $1.5 million per season.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Interesting move by the Canucks, who evidently want to re-sign Raymond, but not for over what he earned this season, and if the arbiter agrees, could result in a reward considerably less than that. It’s my understanding that, if Raymond doesn’t agree to accept the arbiter’s decision, he becomes a UFA. Should be interesting to see how this plays out.

The Winnipeg Sun’s Ken Wiebe reports via Twitter the Jets have re-signed center Jim Slater to a contract extension, reportedly a three-year deal. Financial terms pending are an average annual cap hit of $1.6 million.