Spaling files for arbitration, three others decline to

Recently acquired Penguins forward Nick Spaling has filed for salary arbitration, but three of his new teammates did not.

Agent Craig Oster, who represents center Brandon Sutter, said in an email late this afternoon that Sutter would not go to arbitration, but that he “will continue to try to work out a deal” with the Penguins.

Two other Penguins forwards who also are restricted free agents, Jayson Megna and Bobby Farnham, were eligible for arbitration, but did not request it by the 5 p.m. filing deadline.

Defenseman Simon Despres and Philip Samuelsson are restricted free agents, but were not arbitration-eligible.

Spaling, acquired from Nashville in the James Neal trade eight days ago, is free to negotiate with the Penguins until his hearing, the date of which has not been set, and could have a contract before a hearing takes place.

Spaling also requested arbitration while playing for the Predators last summer, but worked out a one-year deal worth $1.5 million before his hearing date arrived.

Defenseman Robert Bortuzzo was the only Penguin to seek arbitration in 2013 but, like Spaling, got a deal in place before having a hearing.