You have had a bunch of accountants come on and say the financing is not a problem. The cost is negligible to bridge finance the accrelerated dollars from fy1 and fy2. The issue for Nashville is locking in of Weber for a whole bunch of years when it is apparent they are facing a rebuild. The Weber contract does not require Nashville to spend anymore money this year than the had already planned on spending. It is not a case of if they can afford it. Rather, it is about if this is best value they can get for where they are right now.
- spatso

If the signing bonus money was spread out I would agree. There is no way that Nashville expected to pay Weber 26M in 11 months.

I'm with you. Some people may not feel this way and thats okay but I wouldn't blink if I'm Homer.

Getting Weber is a plus but it isnt everything.
- stveshdy

the flyers have shown they can draft forwards, but not dmen.

Homer has pretty much told teams he will not part with Schenn or Couturier. The offer sheet was a sign of that. If he was willing to part with either I think they would of made some kind of deal. Its been reported they wanted both but do we honestly think the Preds didnt then ask for atleast one of them? If the Flyers give in I would be shocked.
- stveshdy

Or if the Preds couldn't get both, they moved on and started entertaining ideas from other teams. Maybe NYR started offering their Nash package (or something better than it) and the Preds were liking what they were hearing. Just based on a hockey decision, I have to believe Holmgren would be ok include one of the two, but not both. He won't part with either for lesser players (Nash, Ryan), but I can't imagine he wouldn't offer one for Weber. Let's not get too carried away by the potential of either of these guys. They're great, but this is a perennial Norris finalist at 26/27 years of age signed to what I consider a cap friendly deal.

the flyers have shown they can draft forwards, but not dmen.
- isaiah520

Thats a fact. I agree with you there.

Before this offer sheet people were against trading any of the young core b/c of the turnover constantly. Most wanted to build around this young team and let them develop with each other. Now we want to blow it up yet again?
- stveshdy

I believe by Homer's actions he agrees there is a young core already here he has no intentions of dealing in any circumstances. If he isn't willing to deal certain players on the roster for Weber (arguably the best d-man in the league in his prime), it would appear guys like Schenn and Coots will be cornerstones for the next decade.

I'd like to see Briere on the top line for a while. He played well with Hartnel a couple seasons ago and he can snipe...Let Schenn have his own line

Hartnel-G-Briere
Read-Schenn-Simmonds
Fed-Coots-Wellwood
Rin-Talbot-Sestito

Before this offer sheet people were against trading any of the young core b/c of the turnover constantly. Most wanted to build around this young team and let them develop with each other. Now we want to blow it up yet again?
- stveshdy

I know this is out of left field and would weaken our team a bit this year but what about Timmonen, if he was willing?

My understanding is that this is Timmonen's last year regardless? I'd rather not trade any of the younger guys who will be here several years and Timmo in the short term gives them something to sell their fan base making $3 mill on a 6.3 mill cap hit.

Or if the Preds couldn't get both, they moved on and started entertaining ideas from other teams. Maybe NYR started offering their Nash package (or something better than it) and the Preds were liking what they were hearing. Just based on a hockey decision, I have to believe Holmgren would be ok include one of the two, but not both. He won't part with either for lesser players (Nash, Ryan), but I can't imagine he wouldn't offer one for Weber. Let's not get too carried away by the potential of either of these guys. They're great, but this is a perennial Norris finalist at 26/27 years of age signed to what I consider a cap friendly deal.
- eayost

I dont disagree with you at all. But lets also remember he's ONE player and guarantee's you nothing more than what you already have on the team. You win as a team. All that upfront money can be used for years to come for other players down the road. Giving up your young talented kids doesnt make sense when you have the best offer out on the table right now.

Before this offer sheet people were against trading any of the young core b/c of the turnover constantly. Most wanted to build around this young team and let them develop with each other. Now we want to blow it up yet again?
- stveshdy

As and example, trading Couturier, Meszaros, and 2 1sts for Shea Weber is hardly blowing up the core. You're losing Couturier, and replacing Meszaros with Weber. That's the effect on the team. You're left with so much young talent the 2 firsts aren't really an issue.

I think we're getting greedy with this idea we can get Weber without losing any roster players, where I'd have made the above deal before the offer sheet. Nashville probably wouldn't have. Now, it may be the best value they can get. I'm not saying I'd give anything they'd want however. I'm not sending Schenn Bros., Voracek, MAB, and 3 firsts or something just because we're "close".

As and example, trading Couturier, Meszaros, and 2 1sts for Shea Weber is hardly blowing up the core. You're losing Couturier, and replacing Meszaros with Weber. That's the effect on the team. You're left with so much young talent the 2 firsts aren't really an issue.

I think we're getting greedy with this idea we can get Weber without losing any roster players, where I'd have made the above deal before the offer sheet. Nashville probably wouldn't have. Now, it may be the best value they can get. I'm not saying I'd give anything they'd want however. I'm not sending Schenn Bros., Voracek, MAB, and 3 firsts or something just because we're "close".
- eayost

Well that will be Homers call. Lets see if hes bluffing about not trading Couturier or Schenn. If Nashville lets him know they will match, lets see what he decides to do.

Or if the Preds couldn't get both, they moved on and started entertaining ideas from other teams. Maybe NYR started offering their Nash package (or something better than it) and the Preds were liking what they were hearing. Just based on a hockey decision, I have to believe Holmgren would be ok include one of the two, but not both. He won't part with either for lesser players (Nash, Ryan), but I can't imagine he wouldn't offer one for Weber. Let's not get too carried away by the potential of either of these guys. They're great, but this is a perennial Norris finalist at 26/27 years of age signed to what I consider a cap friendly deal.
- eayost

Homer has his foot on poiles throat right now..... he doesn't seem the type to compromise or let up when he is in a position of strength. At this point only pride is the reason Poile matches. Its a losing proposition for his team and the owners from a money standpoint.

Homer has his foot on poiles throat right now..... he doesn't seem the type to compromise or let up when he is in a position of strength. At this point only pride is the reason Poile matches. Its a losing proposition for his team and the owners from a money standpoint.
- moylander

Poile wants to match. It's not his call, it's the guys paying/financing the money to do it. It's not impossible they can scrounge up the money to match. We're all speculating on that.

I agree with Spatso. There are a number of short term financing options. Also, they fact that lost money last year likely has some accounting adjustments. Their cash position might not be as dire as everyone assumes. That's not to say that this offer doesn't present problems.

The biggest risk is a lockout and whether the ownership wants to commit for 14 years. On an annualized basis his salary actually goes down, so that helps profitability.

Well that will be Homers call. Lets see if hes bluffing about not trading Couturier or Schenn. If Nashville lets him know they will match, lets see what he decides to do.
- stveshdy

I don't think it's ever been said he wouldn't trade one of those guys for Weber. I don't think there's any bluffing to call

Poile wants to match. It's not his call, it's the guys paying/financing the money to do it. It's not impossible they can scrounge up the money to match. We're all speculating on that.
- eayost

We're all speculating that they can or can't. The real decision will be made by the owners and they will decide if its worth the investment.

You have had a bunch of accountants come on and say the financing is not a problem. The cost is negligible to bridge finance the accrelerated dollars from fy1 and fy2. The issue for Nashville is locking in of Weber for a whole bunch of years when it is apparent they are facing a rebuild. The Weber contract does not require Nashville to spend anymore money this year than the had already planned on spending. It is not a case of if they can afford it. Rather, it is about if this is best value they can get for where they are right now.
- spatso

experts this and experts that...a 26 million loss hurts. they have lost a total of 42 mill over the last few year...The team is subsidized by the city of Nashville to stay afloat. also if there is no season whose going to make up the 26 million before they are able to trade him.

I think one of Cooter/Schenn Holmgren was always willing to part with for Weber in trade scenarios. Nashville apparently wanted both, or Giroux. I would still think at least B Schenn would be involved to get this done
- Just5

I think your correct....one not both....if I'm Homer, my opinion differs then most,
I move couturier.
There is a deal to be made.....Philly may know more about the financial position of the Preds then most, ie the public. The Preds also already know how far Philly is willing to go.
I have said from start....unless ownership for Preds puff's out their chest and says screw you.....a trade is worked out.
Giroux in any deal is laughable.....

What if Poile offer sheets Voracek for 4 million a year over four years, and he matches the Weber deal. Talk about an about-face!
- LeftCoaster

If he matches the Weber deal, the Flyers can simply turn around and match Voracek.

I don't think it's ever been said he wouldn't trade one of those guys for Weber. I don't think there's any bluffing to call
- eayost

Will find it. I wouldn't give anything to Nashville. I been on record saying that. Either the Preds match or they don't. People dont agree with me thats fine. Having Weber would be great but its not the end of the world if he ends up in Nashville for the 14 years.

I agree with Spatso. There are a number of short term financing options. Also, they fact that lost money last year likely has some accounting adjustments. Their cash position might not be as dire as everyone assumes. That's not to say that this offer doesn't present problems.

The biggest risk is a lockout and whether the ownership wants to commit for 14 years. On an annualized basis his salary actually goes down, so that helps profitability.
- TheGreat28

They've lost money every year, it is just not a one year blip. Also, the average salary is acceptable, however the really dollar amount is over $15 million a year for the first 4 years. Not an easy decision.

experts this and experts that...a 26 million loss hurts. they have lost a total of 42 mill over the last few year...The team is subsidized by the city of Nashville to stay afloat.
- Philly1980

It's not a loss. It's a prepayment of salary.

It's not a loss. It's a prepayment of salary.
- TheGreat28

of course its a loss he still gets paid if there is no season.

I believe by Homer's actions he agrees there is a young core already here he has no intentions of dealing in any circumstances. If he isn't willing to deal certain players on the roster for Weber (arguably the best d-man in the league in his prime), it would appear guys like Schenn and Coots will be cornerstones for the next decade.
- ravishingone

I'd be willing to live w/ a poor man's schenn in Laughton by the time briere is done in order to get weber. the flyers flat out, can't draft/develop dmen and won't be able to sniff a weber for the foreseeable future.

Will find it. I wouldn't give anything to Nashville. I been on record saying that. Either the Preds match or they don't. People dont agree with me thats fine. Having Weber would be great but its not the end of the world if he ends up in Nashville for the 14 years.
- stveshdy

And remember, Holmgren says a lot of things like telling Carter he isn't trading him, or saying something like "I like our team I only see minor tweaks" and proceeding to trade Carter and Richards. He probably said in the Pronger offseason he wasn't going to do much either

I agree with Spatso. There are a number of short term financing options. Also, they fact that lost money last year likely has some accounting adjustments. Their cash position might not be as dire as everyone assumes. That's not to say that this offer doesn't present problems.

The biggest risk is a lockout and whether the ownership wants to commit for 14 years. On an annualized basis his salary actually goes down, so that helps profitability.
- TheGreat28

Problem is this is a LONG TERM financing need..... they need to commit $12-14 million a season for the next 6 seasons to one player who may want to play in Philly more than Nashville.... AND they need to pay a supporting cast to play with him which is something weber has been vocal about. Make no mistake.... its the long-term commitment that will be the issue. Jmo.