So, I'm driving to run a quick errand and I of course turn on 560 AM here in Murfreesboro. I just happened to get in the car at the right time as I hear Steve Sullivan in an interview discuss coming back to Nashville. Within the interview, Sully revealed that there have been no official offers for him to accept or deny at this time by David Poile, GM of the Nashville Predators. He also stated that they initially told Mr. Poile they were looking for a 2 year deal, and since that time there has been no further negotiations. On top of that, Sullivan hinted that when he talked with Joel Ward and Greg Zanon at the NHL Awards in Vegas, they seemed to have hit a stand still with Poile as well. He did not come out right and discuss their (Wardo and Z's) negotiations (and he wouldn't) but if I am reading in between the lines correctly it sounds like there have been no offers for them lately much like there have not been any for Sully.
Wow. Let's go with the facts first. Steve Sullivan wants 2 years, really wants to come back to Nashville where he has stated multiple times now that he will retire at regardless of where he plays his last seasons, and has not even been given an offer to accept OR REJECT. Meaning, even if Poile only wanted to go a year at say 3 million, he hasn't even sent an offer for Steve to say no to. Wow again. It is in this writers opinion that Mr. Poile is not effectively doing his job. Even if you want to low ball the guy and pray he goes for it you at least make an offer. But none has come from the Predators front office. Hmm. Here we have a player that dramatically improved your offense upon his return, has average right at a point per game in your sweater, and won the first ever NHL award for your franchise. But no offer.
Look, I know the risk that comes attached to Steve. So does every other team in the league. He's not seeking 5 years or something outrageous. I think 2 years is fair. Steve is 34. Granted, he can not be insured on his back again BUT, I do believe he could be bought out if things turned south. I'm not 100% sure on that, so I'll need my CBA guy (that means you Blueline... LOL) to double check that one for me. We may find out that if it is another back injury he couldn't be bought out because of the insurance issue. If so, that adds yet another complex layer.
This is a very difficult decision for the Preds, and more specifically, GM David Poile. I certainly don't envy him one bit. that said, the fact that he hasn't even made and offer (even if it gets rejected) is somewhat shocking to me and makes me wonder if he is really even considering re-signing Sullivan. Sully knows this is part of the business and stated so on his interview at 560 AM, WNSR, but from my perspective, something doesn't sit right here, and it's not coming from Sullivan's camp.
The Preds are well known for being on a tight budget, but I just don't like the fact that they haven't even got into the money details yet. That speaks volumes to me about where this is headed.
Now with the other players, Ward and Zanon, I am just conjecturing they have not had further negotiations. From what I've read over the weekend in the Tennessean, John Glennon has been able to get Poile to admit they are not seeing eye to eye on $$$ with both players. Zanon sounds like he is going UFA. The same can be said for Joel Ward. While my partner Paul McCann think 1.5 million is too high for Wardo, I personally feel it's about right, there may be a couple hundred thousand in inflation. So he wants 1.5? You paid de Vries 2.75 mill last year, Bonk 1.6, and Jordin Tootoo made 975k. Wardo had 10 points more than Bonk and 19 more than Toots. Different roles I know, but Wardo showed his versatility to play and produce on any given line. I for one say you pay Joel Ward that kind of money but what do I know.... I'm just a writer.
One last thing about the pending UFA's. We've heard all about Sully, Ward, Zanon, Fiddler, de Vries, and Koistinen. Not so much on Ortmeyer and Nichol. I assume Orts is gone but I find it interesting that Poile has said nothing about Scooter. Again, I disagree with Paul on signing Nichol, mostly because you have some younger guys to make room for and I'm afraid of the injury risk. I felt bad for Scott having to deal with the concussion for so long and don't want to see that again.
Ok, give me your thoughts on these developments Pred fans.
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Now for the real reason I was writing today. I was thinking this morning that if I ran a team and could have my pick of any CURRENT head coach in the league, who would I hire?
I thought you Hockeybuzzers might want to join in on the thought process as well. I currently have 3 finalist, and in my next post (whenever that may be) I will reveal who I would go with. My finalists are Mike Babcock, Randy Carlyle, and Lindy Ruff.
So which active NHL head coach would you choose?
Till the next time, take care everyone.
Don’t forget to tune into the Nashville Hockeybuzz Radio show, now on WEDNESDAY nights from 6 to 7 pm on WNSR 560 A.M. with Paul McCann and myself discussing all things Preds! Listen in at the WNSR Website for the best new Preds radio show around! The podcasting for the Nashville Hockeybuzz Radio show can be found at the following: Nashville Hockeybuzz Radio Podcast. Also, you may find the new Hockeybuzz Radio website enjoyable as well. It can be found at Hockeybuzzradio.com. Enjoy!
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