Wild's Mikael Granlund files for arbitration

One day after Nino Niederreiter filed for arbitration, fellow Wild restricted free agent and last season's leading scorer Mikael Granlund did the same in advance of Wednesday's player-elected arbitration deadline.

Contract negotiations can continue between the Wild and Granlund in order to avoid a hearing in front of a neutral arbitrator in Toronto later this month. In most cases, contracts are worked out beforehand. By filing for arbitration, this now guarantees a resolution in the not-so distant future and that most importantly there will be no prolonged contract dispute.

"Mikael wants to be there from the first day of camp and wants the team to get a chance to play for the Cup. Potentially holding out is not his style," Granlund's agent Todd Diamond said. "Filing allows that to happen and gives both parties the opportunity to work out something with a longer term on an accelerated schedule."

If the two sides can't come to an agreement, the Wild will choose a one- or two-year award in arbitration.
Granlund, 25, the ninth overall pick in the 2010 draft, is coming off a career year after being moved to wing.

He led the Wild with a career-high 69 points and set career-highs in goals (26), assists (43), plus-minus (+23), power-play goals (seven), power-play points (20), shorthanded goals (three), game-winning goals (four), multi-point games (16) and shots (177).