One gigantic deal down (maybe) and one to go. As August dawns, Pred Nation anxiously awaits the results of extended negotiations between David Poile and Shea Weber’s representatives. There’s nothing like a hard deadline to drive a deal and I expect that today will be no different.

News broke on Twitter last night that the Weber side elected for a one year arbitration decision, the tweet was subsequently deleted, but the news is certainly out there. Dirk Hoag, over at On the Forecheck has a very good examination of the situation.

The opposite of Dirk’s examination is the wild discussion going on at various Preds boards where crazy accusations and deep dark conspiracy theories go to survive and thrive. “David Polie is sitting on his hands” “fiddling while Rome burns” “Shea doesn’t care about Nashville” “Shea doesn’t want to be here” “Shea’s greedy” “Shea won’t sign unless Nashville signs offensive stars” and of course… the grand poobah “Nashville will walk away from a arbitrator’s ruling.”

Sheesh… I can’t wait for the season to start so Pred Nation can take off their tin hats and start bitching about the power play again.

Despite all the carping and misinformation, there is a reality in all this… Shea Weber will remain with the Nashville Predators for at least the next two seasons, unless someone drops an offer sheet on him next off season. Y’know, they are so common, like the fifteen offer sheets that got dropped on Steven Stamkos… what??? You mean there wasn’t a single offer sheet dropped on a young gifted scorer that could be a difference maker for years to come??? Oh… Never mind…

I also read Weber’s one year decision as positive. That gives him another year of RFA status. If Weber truly wanted out of Music City, which is counter to EVERYTHING said and done by Shea, I believe he would’ve elected for a two year term to take him to UFA status. This decision will allow the two sides to continue negotiations on a longer term deal. I do not want a hearing to happen... that does not portend well for either side and to me, it would be the doomsday scenario.

All will be resolved in the next 48 hours or so… then we can get back to complaining about other things… like how to get Alexander Radulov back.

-------------------------------------

Random Notes

- Kevin Allen has some interesting Pred-related comments in his USA Today column, including a bold prediction that “Blake Geoffrion will be a factor in the rookie of the year race.”

- I wonder if Zach Parise’s one year deal with the New Jersey Devils will have any impact of the Weber negotiations?

- Well… so much for my idea of Brent Sopel joining the Preds… he’s heading for the KHL, signing a two-year deal with Metallurg Novokuznetsk on Friday.

- Time to go OT… In the “Holy S**t am I Getting Old” department… today is the 30th anniversary of MTV’s debut. Back when MTV meant music television. It’s been thirty years since they started a music revolution with the playing of “Video Killed the Radio Star,” still one of my favorite songs.

- While Pred Nation wonders about the Weber deal, Kings fans are doing the same over the negotiations with Drew Doughty, it’s not quite the same situation… but Kings fans want to see him locked up long term. Only problem for these two parties is that there isn’t an arbitration deadline staring them in the face to drive a deal. This could go on to training camp.

- It’s a big day for Islander fans as Nassau County residents go to the polls to approve a plan to build a new arena for the Islanders and a new minor league ballpark. If this proposal gets voted down, it could mean the Islanders looking for new digs elsewhere.

- Looks like Versus is gone. According to several sources, NBC will announce that the cable channel will be renamed the NBC Sports Channel. The announcement is expected today.

- 45 days till training camp opens.

-------------------------------------

You are invited to follow me on Twitter. Search for @PredPAPaul… Not only will I be updating when I get news or updates, but we are having a bit of fun by getting your input on Gnash introductions, weigh in on Twitter and who knows, we may use your introduction for the best mascot in the NHL at the next Preds game!

Join the Discussion: » Comments » Post New Comment

» The time has come

» Whining through Game 3

» Playoff Picks

» Waiting for he playoffs

» A special night in Smashville