ATLANTA - The Thrashers have never been part of a salary arbitration hearing, but this could be the year. <br>
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The Atlanta-Journal Constitution is reporting in Wednesday's edition that center Marc Savard and goalie Pasi Nurminen filed day, the deadline for NHL restricted free agents to do so. Hearings will be held the first two weeks in August. <br>
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Thrashers general manager Don Waddell says the team will continue to talk with the players and see if deals can be made, but that players have a right to ask for arbitration. <br>
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Savard had a salary of $1.3 million last season, and Nurminen earned $630,000. <br>
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Yannick Tremblay filed for arbitration last summer. But before the hearing, the Thrashers signed the defenseman to a two-year deal. <br>
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This year, the team already has avoided arbitration with defensemen Andy Sutton and Ivan Majesky, reaching agreements with both. The Thrashers still are finalizing a two-year contract with Sutton to replace his qualifying offer. <br>
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Sutton had a salary of $575,000 last season. Majesky, acquired from Florida in June, earned $450,000 with the Panthers.
