Arby Avoidance

As only one Eastern Conference player has yet to have either gone to arbitration or decided to take a deal before his date, let's take a look at us Western Conferencers so we know the low down on them.

And so you don't get to pin the tail on favoritism, we're going alphabetically. By team.

Marek Svatos - Colorado

On July 25, signed a two-year, $4.1 million contract. Contract negotiated before hearing.

Svatos has 26 goals last season, even with missing the last 16 games due to a knee injury.  The contract is backloaded which says the Avalanche believe him to be a nice future cog for their cause.

Valtteri Filppula - Detroit

On July 30, signed a five-year, $15 million contract. Contract negotiated before hearing.

Just announced today, and the final Western piece to the puzzle, Filppula earned himself a nice contract no matter which way you look at it - if he continues to build at a slower pace, we're not overpaying, but if he explodes much like Franzen and Kronwall did with their longer term RFA signings, the $3 million in 2012-2013 will look like a steal. Great building by GM Ken Holland.

Pierre-Marc Bouchard - Minnesota

On July 26, signed a five-year, $20.4 million contract.  Contract negotiated before hearing.

After setting a franchise record for assists in a season at 50, there was probably little doubt that Bouchard would be sticking in the Minn.  He gets an extra bonus for his flash - a no trade clause for the first two years of his contract. Niiice.

Stephane Veilleux - Minnesota

On July 19, signed a one-year, $862,500 contract. Contract negotiated before hearing.

Veilleux had a career year in 2007-08 with 11 goals and 7 assists through 77 games.  He's a key peg in their checking line, and has proven himself over his five years in uniform with the Wild.

Ville Koistinen - Nashville

On July 30, awarded a one-year, $700,000 contract through arbitration.

The contract has not been finalized yet, but Koistinen was awarded his dues through a meeting with an independent arbitrator on the 28th.

Jay McClement - St. Louis

On July 14, signed a one-year, $950,000 contract. Contract negotiated before hearing.

The center had 9 goals and 13 assists last season, known more for his defense than his offense.