Gonchar awarded $5.5 million

[Bob]

That represents a 51% raise from last year.

The question is, do the Bruins accept the decision or walk away from the contract?

[blaise]

They will not accept such a large award. It would wreak havoc on their budgetary plans. However, I don't think any other team would pay that much either. So depending on whether Gonchar likes Boston he will sign with the Bruins for less than the arbitration figure.

Edit:
I was wrong. O'Connell says he will accept the decision. Now what is he going to do about Joe Thornton?