Oh, they rank near the bottom because you say so? Hate to break it to you, but there are bumhole fans in every venue on any given night. I have not heard too many complaints about vistor fans experiences at the X and I have several friends that come down from Canada regularly who rave about the arena and have never complained about the locals.

The bottom line in this argument is, these players don't owe their alliegence to any organization. He played his contract and earned the right to go elsewhere. Fan speculation on whether he did or didn't mislead anyone is nothing but fan speculation and quite frankly holds no bearing on whether he's a good or bad guy. Maybe he didn't want to disappoint Preds fans in case he actually ended up staying, maybe he just didn't know how to handle it. Who knows, but he certainly doesn't deserve to be treated as some pariah that never meant a thing to the Nashville organization.

As far as the Gaborik situation, sure the writing was on the wall, but he himself maintained until the day he left that he wanted to stay in Minnesota. So to say the sitiuations were completely different is misleading. That was the whole point of my comment, he deliberately mislead Wild fans, meaning, he didn't want to outright tell fans he was intending to leave even though those were his intentions. Not unlike what Suter did.
- MnGump

While I totally agree, my response was to your comment about Preds being classless....but no one in STL, LA or DAL ever told my kid to "go F himself". Just saying.

Are you kidding me? Did you really just ask that idiotic question. Good grief man, quit while you're only 75 light-years behind. With each successive post, your arguments spin are burying you ever deeper in the spider hole.
- blueline

Good retort. Spider hole?

Ah see, there are specific reasons as to why you all boo AJ. As there are specific reasons we boo Suter. Don’t sit there and justify one fan base then rip ours for doing it. We have our reasons and if we want to boo all game more power to us.

As for the gloating thing, that wasn’t said or implied in my “rant.” Nor did I say the Wild are or Preds are more successful than the other. I was saying REAL cup contenders wanted Suter, like Detroit, Chicago, Philadelphia, to name a few.

I just find it odd some of you are so upset with Preds fans over a player you’ve had for about 2 months now. He was here SEVEN years! Plus all the years we tracked him leading up to the Preds. He was OUR guy. Honestly I think Preds fans were more worried about losing Weber than Suter. We honestly believed he wanted to and was going to stay here. Our fault! Haha!
- Pelvis

Well being the last guy didn't want to answer, maybe you can. Weren't fans pissed that Weber was willing to become a flyer to get a better deal? Don't you think Poile would have signed him to a big deal without the offer sheet fiasco?

If Poile had not matched, how would Preds fans have treated Weber?

While I totally agree, my response was to your comment about Preds being classless....but no one in STL, LA or DAL ever told my kid to "go F himself". Just saying.
- buelleo

I meant it was a "classless act". That is not to say Preds fans as a norm are "classless". Sorry for the false inference.

Again, as a father of a young boy as well, I genuinely feel bad that you had a less than satisfactory experience in the Wild venue. The scenario you desribed is not standard as far as I'm concerned and I would have personally liked to have been there to tell that MN fan off. But, as I stated, there's always going to be a few in every crowd and the majority of MN fans take pride in cultivating a friendly and fun hockey atmosphere.

Ah see, there are specific reasons as to why you all boo AJ. As there are specific reasons we boo Suter. Don’t sit there and justify one fan base then rip ours for doing it. We have our reasons and if we want to boo all game more power to us.
- Pelvis

Yes I get what you're saying, but they are still two completely different contexts.

AJ made it his mission to be a complete ass by purposely prodding Minne players and fans. On and Off the field. Like I said, I get why you booed Suter, I just thought it was bit over the top that you did it the entire game.

I'm not even saying Suter didn't deserve some of the booing, I just don't think he earned the utter hate he felt coming from the Nashville fans. But, that's my opinion whether you agree or not.

Either way, he's a big boy, he'll get over it and eventually maybe the Pred fans will too.

Well being the last guy didn't want to answer, maybe you can. Weren't fans pissed that Weber was willing to become a flyer to get a better deal? Don't you think Poile would have signed him to a big deal without the offer sheet fiasco?

If Poile had not matched, how would Preds fans have treated Weber?
- MnGump

No, Weber would not have gotten the deal from Poile he ended up signing. Yes, Weber using Phily to get the deal he wanted pissed us off as well. And to answer the last question, we would have reletlessly booed him too haha. Our franchise and fans are so used to being s**t on, when things are finally going right and we still get boned we might overreact. Last offseason was rough for a team that FINALLY had the money to re-sign their own guys. Nothing went the way we hoped. We kept Weber but even that situation was messed up.

I would like to point out though and maybe this helps explain more why Suter was booed so much. Poile said he had matching offers for Suter and Weber for a little less than what he got up there. Also remeber, Poile as well as fans were under the impression Suter wanted to return, because he said he did. Poile also said that Weber was going to sign the matching offer if Suter did. So here we are thinking, hey both D men locked up, snag up a top forward if we can and we're good to go! Suter didn’t sign, so Weber decided he was going to get PAID. He knows Poile doesn’t do cap circumventing mega deals. So he picked a team he would enjoy playing for if we didn't match. Weber also knew ownership and Poile said they would match any offer put in on Weber, and they did. So actually, that whole offer sheet situation is ALSO because of Suter in a way. Weber didn’t just run out and sign an offer sheet July 1st. He didn’t even start shopping himself until after Suter decided to not sign here. So there you go, ANOTHER reason we are mad at Suter.

And again, I certinaly don't hate Suter. I have his US jersey....and a Preds one (damn it). I did boo him all night, because it was fun to do, and I was mad at him. Maybe he didn't deserve to be booed all night, maybe he did, that was for us to decide.

Oh and why managment didn't do a tribute video as explained by Trotz was to protect Suter from the onslaught of negativiity they surly would have followed. I would have cheered a tribute video. One thing is for certain though, Suter got the message loud and clear that we're pissed at him!

Yes I get what you're saying, but they are still two completely different contexts.

AJ made it his mission to be a complete ass by purposely prodding Minne players and fans. On and Off the field. Like I said, I get why you booed Suter, I just thought it was bit over the top that you did it the entire game.

I'm not even saying Suter didn't deserve some of the booing, I just don't think he earned the utter hate he felt coming from the Nashville fans. But, that's my opinion whether you agree or not.

Either way, he's a big boy, he'll get over it and eventually maybe the Pred fans will too.
- MnGump

I get that as well, but there is no rule book on booing etiquette. It's all emotionally based. Judging by the fact it went on all night. I would say Preds fans are pretty upset with Suter. I've laid out some of the reason why. I don't even think it's hate we have to be honest. The people I've talked to, or read online (not just here but multiple places) don't hate the man. They understand, hell, even respect he did it for family reasons. We're mad because he essentially lied to EVERYONE. Why not just tell everyone you're going to wait until July 1st. Don't say in the press you want to be here and a deal will get done. It kind of leads people to believe you want to be here and a deal will get done. Oddly enough, people react badly when they feel they’re lied to. Hence our reaction, and Poile’s reaction in the press when he did sign up there. Poile may have fueled the fire with his reaction/comments, but it was already lit.

It’s all good though, what’s done is done. I certainly wouldn’t get upset or call people classless if they booed some player all night long. It’s sports and we’re sports fans, we cheer, we boo, that about all we do. So I’m not sure why others feel the need to deem us classless for doing something EVERY fan base has done before, but whatever. To each their own. Oh and he’s probably going to get booed more, just a heads up.

I meant it was a "classless act". That is not to say Preds fans as a norm are "classless". Sorry for the false inference.

Again, as a father of a young boy as well, I genuinely feel bad that you had a less than satisfactory experience in the Wild venue. The scenario you desribed is not standard as far as I'm concerned and I would have personally liked to have been there to tell that MN fan off. But, as I stated, there's always going to be a few in every crowd and the majority of MN fans take pride in cultivating a friendly and fun hockey atmosphere.
- MnGump

BubbaGump,

Please don't come on a Preds thread and start trashing Nashville fans only to turn around and talk about how prideful and friendly you blokes are. Hi kettle, meet pot. You can disagree with Preds fans for booing Suter if you want. Fine. Great. Congrats. Since you are obviously off work today, and a father of a young son, why not take the time to go volunteer with some youth this afternoon? Maybe you could shovel snow? I dunno, do something productive today, please. The time you have spent here, on this, has run its course. Good day. And good luck to the Wild.

I was at the game Saturday. It is the fans right to boo or cheer. Obviously, we all care about the situation, which is why majority of the fans booed. I am neutral in the situation. I honestly think most are more upset, because he didn’t sign back to us. The fault goes both ways. If Suter, really believed that he didn’t want to come back to Nashville, he should’ve have flat out told Poile to stop wasting his time and the fans time. It had to be a real hard decision for Suter. He was a Pred for 7 years. At the same time, I do believe his family could’ve moved here if he really wished to stay and still be close to his family. It’s a decision that needs to be made by both husband and wife still.

Anyways, last year when this whole situation with Suter going on, I read everything about it and watched plenty of interviews with Suter. He had mixed answers for the questions about staying in Nashville. I remember him saying he wanted to see what’s out there, then he said its a family decision, then I saw he said he likes Nashville a lot and he wishes to stay. If he really wanted to leave us, because he saw Nashville as a team that won’t win the Cup, he would’ve signed with Rangers, Blackhawks, Flyers, and etc. He signed with Minnesota who is in the slumps, no offense, we are to. That answer should tell us something else.

I don’t boo at any events, because to me, that’s disrespectful no matter how I feel. Suter never disrespected the Preds organization. He said and I’m sure he meant it, he loved and still loves Nashville. He grew here as a hockey player. Fans boo, its part of the game. I think Suter had enough boo’s from Saturday nights game. We should all just move on. Arguing like this is going to go no where, both sides have good points.

I went on TSN today, and saw Hornqvist and Wilson hurt. WTF happened? Are they out for long?

Signed a concerned hockey pool addict.

I went on TSN today, and saw Hornqvist and Wilson hurt. WTF happened? Are they out for long?

Signed a concerned hockey pool addict.
- mykokes

Hornqvist got hit from behind into the boards, out for upperbody. Wilson got hit and ran into the boards in a weird way. Sucks, both important players.

No, Weber would not have gotten the deal from Poile he ended up signing. Yes, Weber using Phily to get the deal he wanted pissed us off as well. And to answer the last question, we would have reletlessly booed him too haha. Our franchise and fans are so used to being s**t on, when things are finally going right and we still get boned we might overreact. Last offseason was rough for a team that FINALLY had the money to re-sign their own guys. Nothing went the way we hoped. We kept Weber but even that situation was messed up.

I would like to point out though and maybe this helps explain more why Suter was booed so much. Poile said he had matching offers for Suter and Weber for a little less than what he got up there. Also remeber, Poile as well as fans were under the impression Suter wanted to return, because he said he did. Poile also said that Weber was going to sign the matching offer if Suter did. So here we are thinking, hey both D men locked up, snag up a top forward if we can and we're good to go! Suter didn’t sign, so Weber decided he was going to get PAID. He knows Poile doesn’t do cap circumventing mega deals. So he picked a team he would enjoy playing for if we didn't match. Weber also knew ownership and Poile said they would match any offer put in on Weber, and they did. So actually, that whole offer sheet situation is ALSO because of Suter in a way. Weber didn’t just run out and sign an offer sheet July 1st. He didn’t even start shopping himself until after Suter decided to not sign here. So there you go, ANOTHER reason we are mad at Suter.

And again, I certinaly don't hate Suter. I have his US jersey....and a Preds one (damn it). I did boo him all night, because it was fun to do, and I was mad at him. Maybe he didn't deserve to be booed all night, maybe he did, that was for us to decide.

Oh and why managment didn't do a tribute video as explained by Trotz was to protect Suter from the onslaught of negativiity they surly would have followed. I would have cheered a tribute video. One thing is for certain though, Suter got the message loud and clear that we're pissed at him!
- Pelvis

Well under the circumstances, I do get it. For obvious reasons I did feel a bit bad for him, but with everything you've expained, he should have at the very least expected a cold reception from his former team and fans. (which he got a full dose of)

I just don't think he expected it in the massive dose that was delivered. As a Wild fan it's hard not to stick up for him a bit, but as a fan that has experienced a similar scenario,(Gaborik) I get it. No one wants to see a fan favorite choose to leave and especially when he leads them to believe his intentions are otherwise. Although I still think fans have to at some point put themselves in the players shoes and realize that as much love as they may get from an organization or fan base, they will do what's best for themselves. Maybe Suter took bad advice from his agent? Who knows, but it sounds like he could have handled things better. Either way he wasn't going to get a warm reception I'm sure.

I guess maybe jumping on the "classless act" bandwagon was a bit hasty and presumptuous on my part, and I appreciate the fact that most Pred fans took patient lengths to explain their opinions on the situation in a reasonable and level headed manner.

Unlike many team blog sites, most of the Preds fans seem to be pretty knowledgable and fair.(even when opposing team fans are horning in with their opinions) I can certainly respect that. You won't get any further argument from this Wild fan on the subject.

That said, I'm sure we'll have more banter in the coming seasons being we'll be in the same division now! I'd wish the Pred fans good luck, but I think Wild fans will need all they can get as well.

Yep....went the MN-NSH game in MN in FEB. Sat in the 200 section....some a-hole yelled at my 12 year old to "Sit the F down" during warmups and after NSH only goal.

Well he didnt really "yell" more like "spewed"....his mouth was full of donuts and beer.

Been to STL, DAL, LA, ATL for games....MN is the only place something like this has happened.
- buelleo

Sorry to hear about your experience, especially with the little one present. Xcel is usually one of the more tame and quiet venues in hockey, so this surprises me.

I find the reaction from most (not all) Wild fans to be hilarious personally. You’d think we’re the first fans of any franchise in the history of sports to boo a returning player!

Oh and all the Wild fans that want to run to defend Suter need to remember you won the Suter sweepstakes by default. No offense to the Wild, but they aren’t exactly the model of NHL success. I’m by no means saying we are. However, damn near every team in the league wanted Suter. Teams that are usually in the cup conversation, that would NOT include us or the Wild wanted him. Yet he chooses Minnesota, the state his WIFE happens to be from?! Sorry but that has wife’s (family) decision written all over it. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but still. Chicago is even closer to SUTER’S family, and they are obviously a powerhouse, and again he chose the Wild. So just remember Wild fans, if Suter’s wife happened to be from Tennessee he may very well still be here.

Oh and if any of you Minnesota Wild fans that think it’s classless to boo a returning player happen to be baseball fans. All I have to say is AJ Pierzynski. Fans boo returning players sometimes, in every league, in every city. The reasons aren’t always the same but it happens. You’re just mad it was your new star D-man this time. Nut up and deal with it because it may/probably will happen again.

For the record I don’t hate Suter, I booed him too though because I’m a Preds fans and felt it necessary. If they would have done a tribute video I would have cheered. He was a Preds for some the Franchise’s most memorable moments to date. I’m also a big fan of international play and he will still represent my country.
- Pelvis

Precisely, which is why I do not understand why every Preds fan was so shocked when Suter left. You have one of the better d-man in the league, coveted by every team that had the cap space to sign him, entering his last year of his contract with Nashville. I get that he told local media he wanted to stay, but how could he possibly say otherwise or ignore the question?

Great point about AJ, though. The guy will be booed in Minny until the day he retires. Personally, I give him a standing ovation for bringing us Joe Nathan and Francisco Liriano.

Its not speculation. Do some un-biased research. Or Don't. Your call
- wings-suck

Just curious as to what has led you to believe this. Could you provide a link or article that states this, because everything I have looked up says otherwise. Thanks

Sorry to hear about your experience, especially with the little one present. Xcel is usually one of the more tame and quiet venues in hockey, so this surprises me.
- SotaPopinski

Was in MN. / Excel Arena for a Preds game as well. My family was all wearing a Pred hat, t-shirt etc.... Some fans jeered us (but it was very polite and in jest) We had a great time.
Good Grief, with 17,000 - 18,000 people I think you will always have a few idiots no matter where you go.

Was in MN. / Excel Arena for a Preds game as well. My family was all wearing a Pred hat, t-shirt etc.... Some fans jeered us (but it was very polite and in jest) We had a great time.
Good Grief, with 17,000 - 18,000 people I think you will always have a few idiots no matter where you go.
- wrister

Yeah, I would expect a bit of opposing fan jeering in good taste. Don't like to hear the fan experiences like the Preds fans kid getting yelled at. Like I said before, I think that is rare, but I'd be surprised if other Minne fans didn't stick up for the guy and his kid. Most decent fans won't stand by and watch that kind of crap go on without speaking up at least.

I've never seen anything like that happen though in my own experiences at the X. I would certainly not stand by and let it go on though. Nothing wrong with giving fans a hard time (like you said) in good fun, but to get down right ugly, especially with a little kid, my blood would be boiling if that were my kid. So I don't blame anyone for having a less than satisfactory experience in that type of scenario, as unfortunate as it most likely was. I'm sure it was some drunken d bag.

Just curious as to what has led you to believe this. Could you provide a link or article that states this, because everything I have looked up says otherwise. Thanks
- SotaPopinski

Here's one for you:

http://blogs.tennessean.c...uter-discussions-ongoing/

Hornqvist got hit from behind into the boards, out for upperbody. Wilson got hit and ran into the boards in a weird way. Sucks, both important players.
- alphakilo615

Hornqvist not as bad, might play in the tail end of the roadie. Might not see Wilson for 3 weeks if not longer.

Here's one for you:

http://blogs.tennessean.c...uter-discussions-ongoing/
- SmokyMtn

Sorry, I thought they were bickering about Xcel Center and Wild fans rank near bottom when it comes to opposing fans. My reading comprehension needs polishing

Here's one for you:

http://blogs.tennessean.c...uter-discussions-ongoing/
- SmokyMtn

Yeah, I guess that's pretty telling. If those are Suters actual quotes, that's certainly a subject of soreness for Preds fans.

Here's one for you:

http://blogs.tennessean.c...uter-discussions-ongoing/
- SmokyMtn

Yep, I remember reading that. “I want to be here, that’s the big thing and they want me here, and it’s going to get done.”

It got done alright....

I guess I'm going to have a love/hate relationship with this year's team.

Methinks this new "conference III" is looking fiesty ... building hatred for the Wild and the Stars.

Gonna be fun!

Wish the Boo's could have been LOUDER, and someone beat his eyes shut. Hope the Boo's are louder next time he is in town