Is Brule worth 2.5 million?

As we wait for Gilbert Brule's arbitration hearing it's easy to think that Brule is going in with all the ammunition he needs. Brule's last year salary of $800,000 is sure to jump up considerably. Do I agree with it? Not at all; but since the arbitration hearing will
take stats and comparable players into account it is sure to happen.

You have the Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke to thank who recently gave 23 year old forward Nikolai Kulemin a two year deal worth $2.35 million per season, a staggering and inflated raise. Kulemin only had 36 points this past season.

This opened up the gates for Clarke Macarthur's arbitration hearing. The 25 year old was awarded $2.4 million. Macarthur scored only 35 points last year.

So where does this put the Brule's of the NHL? We're looking at a similar salary, the 23 year old scored 37 points last year which would likely mean a 300 percent raise is surely in reach.

Don't get me wrong, Gilbert Brule has some wonderful attributes. I do believe he is a capable 2nd liner one day. He has a hard shot and plays big for a small man. He had great chemistry with Dustin Penner when he was awarded the time, but than again - who didn't look great playing with Dustin Penner last season?

The issue I have with Brule is that he is still very inconsistent, and we saw him sit in the press box from time to time because of his inconsistency. 1 NHL season isn't enough proof to condone such a raise. Surely the Oilers won't commit to anymore than a 1 year deal if the salary demand is too high, they already had to wash their hands with Robert Nilsson - don't expect the Oilers to get themselves in that situation this time around.