Arbitration is a messy process. The player tries to convince the arbiter he is worth more money while the team, in effect, tears its own player down in making the argument he is worth less. So if you have to file for arbitration, doing it like Lightning wing Ryan Craig is the best way.

Craig filed as gently as possible and Lightning GM Jay Feaster answered in kind.

Craig said he is doing it only because "it is part of the process'' and he is sure he and the team "can get something done'' before his hearing which has yet to be set but will take place between July 20 and Aug. 4.

Feaster said, "We know it's part of the business. We fully expect to reach as agreement before we get to arbitration.''

Craig, 25, a restricted free agent, was given a qualifying offer of $544,500 by the Lightning (10 percent more than last season's salary of $495,000). That allows Tampa Bay to keep Craig's rights and match any other offers.

"They've been busy with unrestricted guys and things like that and my agent has too,'' Craig said. "It's a situation where we'll sit down and talk and we'll get a contract. I'm just looking out for my interests.''