A busy, if unspectacular beginning to free agency yesterday as it appears that most of the top 20 free agents are waiting to see what happens with Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, the top two prizes in the latest version of “Who Wants to Overpay for a Free Agent?” There are already some winners in this game, namely…

- Filip Kuba – 2 years, $8 million – Florida Panthers
- Jason Garrison – 6 years, $27.6 million – Vancouver Canucks
- Ray Whitney – 2 years, $9 million
- Jordin Tootoo – 3 years, $5.7 million – Detroit Red Wings

And just to show the KHL is not immune to insanity… Alexander Radulov – 4 years, $38 million - CSKA

A few words on Tootoo… Detroit fans will love him… he is the player you love to hate on any other team except yours. We’ve watched Jordin grow up here, watched and supported him as he did. It is not unthinkable to call him the most beloved of anyone who has wore Pred colors among the fanbase.

That being said, by signing with Detroit, Pred Nation may refuse to understand that it is “just business.” I’m not sure if he becomes public enemy number one is Smashville… I hope not, but I fear he will. I, for one, wish him the best… at least 76 games a year :-)

The money being thrown at marginal or older players is scary… I love Ray Whitney to death, great player, good pickup… but $4.5 million a year? For a 40 year old forward???? Kuba, $4 million a year? Even Tootoo… almost $2 million a year... In some respects, these contracts are a result of a shallow UFA pool, but this is the exact thing that will be a bone of contention in the CBA talks.

In other Pred signing news… re-signing Brian McGratten is a solid move, but the best move is bringing back goaltender Chris Mason.

This will be Mason’s third tour with the Preds, has a very strong relationship with goalie coach Mitch Korn and frankly, was a driving force behind the “Save the Preds” efforts a few years back. His community involvement has been incredible. He has been solid as a starter for both St. Louis and Atlanta/Winnipeg. Mason appeared in three games during the inaugural season for Nashville before being buried in the system behind Mike Dunham and Tomas Vokoun. He got his next taste of NHL action in the ’00-’01 season with one start. He moved on to Phoenix, taking over the starting role for their AHL team before returning to the Predators the next season. Mason knows the Predator Way, knows the systems and is clear on what is expected of him.

It’s a great pickup for the Preds while more goaltending talent develops in the system.

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ROAD TRIP!!!!!

SlapShot Radio has circled the date... February 9th at the Verizon Center in DC for our next SlapShot Radio Road Trip... we are working out details and will forward as we get them. Keep an eye on the SlapShot Radio page on Facebook for details.

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Random Notes

- I have been hearing that David Poile has made his “firm offer” to Ryan Suter… and that it has him thinking. That’s a good thing folks… if you are a Nashville Predators fan.

- The signing of Chiris Mason comes with reports that Mason turned down a two year offer from Winnipeg for a one year in Nashville.

- I appreciate Eklund’s well thought out, well written blog today. It’s a very realistic scenario and worth a read.

- Very interesting to see how media and GM’s are getting angry about Parise and Suter taking their time on their decision on where to go. I want an answer, but I have no problem with the two players taking their time in figuring out the next phase of their lives. It’s a long summer folks…

-I am very glad that Martin Brodeur will be finishing his career in NJ. He should only be known for wearing a Devils uniform.

- How many 40+ year olds will be signing? Jaromir Jagr should be next… reports indicate he got 21 (!) offers yesterday.

- Darren Drager is reporting that NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman will be reducing Raffi Torres’ suspension by four games… meh…

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On the next SlapShot Radio

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