1. Parise
2. Ryan
3. Rene Bourque
4. Kostitsyn
5. Whitney

I would start at the top and work my way down the list. The worst thing the GM's can say is no. Whoever wins the Central will win the cup this year! The time is now to make a move!
- slash&smash

I would start with Ryan just because of his age and he still has 3 years on his contract. Of course that means it would cost much more to get him but I would take that risk.

1. Parise
2. Ryan
3. Rene Bourque
4. Kostitsyn
5. Whitney

I would start at the top and work my way down the list. The worst thing the GM's can say is no. Whoever wins the Central will win the cup this year! The time is now to make a move!
- slash&smash

Let me throw a name out on that list. I don't know if he's been brought up in trade talks but this guy has averaged around 20 goals the last 3 years. He is under contract for the next 2 years at 3 million per. He plays for an organization that will probably relocate in the next couple of years so he may could be gotten relatively cheap. Radim Vrbata.

Let me throw a name out on that list. I don't know if he's been brought up in trade talks but this guy has averaged around 20 goals the last 3 years. He is under contract for the next 2 years at 3 million per. He plays for an organization that will probably relocate in the next couple of years so he may could be gotten relatively cheap. Radim Vrbata.
- Predman29

and he's a good 2 way player

I would start with Ryan just because of his age and he still has 3 years on his contract. Of course that means it would cost much more to get him but I would take that risk.
- Mainert

Ryan would be great but probably will cost the most. If he could handle the dot, I would pull the trigger. Fisher has losing alot of draws lately.

First, none of us know what the email said....even if there was an email. Second, even if it did say "upped" (which I doubt), that could mean anything.
"Upping his effort" could also be interpreted as the "Preds are going for it" that has been stated in the last day. DP could be upping his effort by trying to find a higher end player than he had planned for....such as a Parise/Ryan instead of a Ruutu type player.

Point is, unless you know exactly what's going on, you can't say too much at this point.
- Whyme78

So very, very true. Thanks.

Here we are, basically the hottest team in the league - tied for third in the conference (points) and tied for 4th in the entire league, only 3 points behind 1st place Wings for the best record in the entire NHL. Won 9 out of last 10 and 12 out of the last 14 and 19 wins out of the last 26.


Meanwhile, some are already prepping the gallows? Huh? Why? Because we think that Poile has not done all he can to sign Suter? (We really don't know, do we?)

Or is it because Poile doesn't march down to the Friendly Free Agent store and pick up one of the countless Premier 60+ Goal Scorers sitting in the For Sale aisle? (Two for One this week I think.) Cheap!!!!!!!!

Geeeez. At least wait to go off until the (probable) inevitable slump that hits every team at some point or another. I guess if we were Wing fans, some would be calling for Babcock's and Holland's heads after last night's dismal showing against the Habs.

Innuendo, rumor, speculation, deception, the unknown, etc, etc - hell of a way to pass judgement.

1. Parise
2. Ryan
3. Rene Bourque
4. Kostitsyn
5. Whitney

- slash&smash

1. Parise (15,25,40) - going to be a really expensive rental, unless they try and resign him. Any chance that he, Suter and Weber take a less to all stay? Doubt it but supposably he and Suter are good friends. Current cap hit is 6 million and that is definately going up. Could we afford 4 players making 7 million? Doubt it.
2. Ryan (17,12,29) - going to be really expensive however you have him locked up for the next 3 seasons at 5.1 million.
3. Rene Bourque (14,3,17) - already traded once I doubt Montreal would trade him after aquiring him a few weeks ago. But if you were able to get him you would have him for another 4 years at 3.4 million.
4. Kostitsyn (11,10,21) - he would be a good addition however how would this affect Sergei? He seems to have flourished with out his brother, but Andrei is a free agent and may be willing to sign for a little less to stick around as well. Did he say recently that he would give Montreal a discount, so why not us? Current cap hit is 3.25 million, would he stick around for 4.5-5?
5. Whitney (15,27,42) - he would definately be a rental, just based on his age but he would add the scoring we may need to make a run this year. But would this move help show Suter and Weber that we are serious about winning?

I think I would go:
1. Ryan - not a rental and low cap hit and may be the kind of long term move to show Suter and Weber we are serious about winning. But he would also be the most expensive to get because of that, so what would it take? Blum, Watson, and a 1st? More?
2. Parise - best overall player probably going to be available but being that he is a UFA this may not show Suter and Weber we are serious about winning and further show them we are still salary cap bottom feeders. He too will be expensive but he would definatey help us this year.
3. Kostitsyn - although he is a UFA at the end he does provide some offense and we would have a shot at resigning him and because of Sergei and this kind of move may help us resign Sergei to a long term contract as well. If we could resign him this too would be a move to show Suter and Weber we are serious about winning.
4. Whitney - he would provide the immediate offense we need, he would be leading everyone one of our offensive categories.

and he's a good 2 way player
- HockeyHop

I really like him and think he would be a good fit. I know with the Ryans, Parises, etc., they're going to want a Suter or Weber. Maybe you could get Vrbata and still have both Suter and Weber. I just don't know what you would have to give up for him. Just thinking out loud.

I really, REALLY hope these Ek rumors aren't even remotely true.



Boyes - Defensive liability. Trotz would have him riding the pine in no time.
Whitney - Already past the magic age where we start purging guys from the roster, not adding them.
Hemsky - Someone help me out here. What is the big deal about this guy? He rarely puts in an entire season and doesn't have numbers that are even remotely eye popping.
Rutuu - Ok, everyone seems to like this guy, but he's only scored 20 or more goals in a season twice in his career. Do we really need another guy like this?

The way the team is playing right now, if Poile is going to make a move it should be for an Impact player, not a complimentary player. I don't see how we justify pushing another guy out of the lineup the way we did after claiming Yip, so that the new guy can do what the other guy has already been doing.

Thoughts?

D
- Predaceous

I agree with your assessment, although of the above, I think Ruutu might be the best, but as you said, why would Poile do it? Not sure what would be gained over what we have now. And what would we lose...

The Preds are delivering at the moment - not sure how wise it is to do these kinds of lateral moves. Something big, maybe. That is if we didn't have to mtg the farm.

I agree with your assessment, although of the above, I think Ruutu might be the best, but as you said, why would Poile do it? Not sure what would be gained over what we have now. And what would we lose...

The Preds are delivering at the moment - not sure how wise it is to do these kinds of lateral moves. Something big, maybe. That is if we didn't have to mtg the farm.
- blueline

Ruutu seems like another Joel Ward but better offensive stats than defensive player.

I really like him and think he would be a good fit. I know with the Ryans, Parises, etc., they're going to want a Suter or Weber. Maybe you could get Vrbata and still have both Suter and Weber. I just don't know what you would have to give up for him. Just thinking out loud.
- Predman29

I just don't think the Yotes have gotten to that point yet. However, he might be a good off-season pickup given that nobody still knows WTF is going on in Phoenix...

So very, very true. Thanks.

Here we are, basically the hottest team in the league - tied for third in the conference (points) and tied for 4th in the entire league, only 3 points behind 1st place Wings for the best record in the entire NHL. Won 9 out of last 10 and 12 out of the last 14 and 19 wins out of the last 26.


Meanwhile, some are already prepping the gallows? Huh? Why? Because we think that Poile has not done all he can to sign Suter? (We really don't know, do we?)

Or is it because Poile doesn't march down to the Friendly Free Agent store and pick up one of the countless Premier 60+ Goal Scorers sitting in the For Sale aisle? (Two for One this week I think.) Cheap!!!!!!!!

Geeeez. At least wait to go off until the (probable) inevitable slump that hits every team at some point or another. I guess if we were Wing fans, some would be calling for Babcock's and Holland's heads after last night's dismal showing against the Habs.

Innuendo, rumor, speculation, deception, the unknown, etc, etc - hell nof a way to pass judgement.
- blueline

You are RIGHT on... There are so many that are panicking on what MIGHT happen. We're playing great right now...just go with it. About D's post...
Ruutu would be the only one I would look at..at a bargain price.

Let's all CHILL.

1. Parise
2. Ryan
3. Rene Bourque
4. Kostitsyn
5. Whitney

I would start at the top and work my way down the list. The worst thing the GM's can say is no. Whoever wins the Central will win the cup this year! The time is now to make a move!
- slash&smash

even if Poile could pry one of these guys away what are you willing to give up? Picks and prospects aren't going to get it done.

Are the Preds ready to part with Smith, Wilson, Ellis, Josi or some combo of said players? Nobody wants a pick and a "maybe" prospect. Ellis and Josi have just killed Blum's value.

I still think they should package Blum, Lindback and a pick to Tampa for Malone. Maybe even Klein and Lindback.. Klein's value has never been higher.

Unless Suter didn't want to talk contract until a certain date... which happens. Does anyone know the reason why Poile waited or was it his own agenda that determined it? Hard to flame him without knowing for certain.
- Lohaus

according to a radio interview a few weeks back in a nutshell suter was waiting to hit free agency. money was NOT the issue, but rather did he want to play in nashville going forward. what else can poile do?

What's the feeling for Blum and a 1st for Hemsky? Rumor is out there that it was offered and Poile turned it down.
- Predman29

i would too

according to a radio interview a few weeks back in a nutshell suter was waiting to hit free agency. money was NOT the issue, but rather did he want to play in nashville going forward. what else can poile do?
- predswilrule

This is the first that I have heard or seen anyone post anything that said Suter was waiting to hit free agency? The only thing that I had heard was that Suter wanted to see Poile make some kind of move to show him as well as Weber that he and the ownership group was committed to winning and spending the money to get the team to the next level.

So very, very true. Thanks.

Here we are, basically the hottest team in the league - tied for third in the conference (points) and tied for 4th in the entire league, only 3 points behind 1st place Wings for the best record in the entire NHL. Won 9 out of last 10 and 12 out of the last 14 and 19 wins out of the last 26.


Meanwhile, some are already prepping the gallows? Huh? Why? Because we think that Poile has not done all he can to sign Suter? (We really don't know, do we?)

Or is it because Poile doesn't march down to the Friendly Free Agent store and pick up one of the countless Premier 60+ Goal Scorers sitting in the For Sale aisle? (Two for One this week I think.) Cheap!!!!!!!!

Geeeez. At least wait to go off until the (probable) inevitable slump that hits every team at some point or another. I guess if we were Wing fans, some would be calling for Babcock's and Holland's heads after last night's dismal showing against the Habs.

Innuendo, rumor, speculation, deception, the unknown, etc, etc - hell of a way to pass judgement.
- blueline

Isn't that what this site is predicated on?

The Predators will likely be tied for 4th overall in the NHL in points, a mere 3 points from being the best at the All-Star Break. Mr. Suter, please explain to me how that represents something other than an interest in winning. What is your real reason for not signing a contract?

And please don't ignore this post of mine from the other day.

according to a radio interview a few weeks back in a nutshell suter was waiting to hit free agency. money was NOT the issue, but rather did he want to play in nashville going forward. what else can poile do?
- predswilrule

More rumor and innuendo! Excellent!

You are giving a report about a nebulous "letter" a lot of credence...

DP is far from a buffoon.
- pmccann

comes across like a buffoon sometimes

Different.

This is the first that I have heard or seen anyone post anything that said Suter was waiting to hit free agency? The only thing that I had heard was that Suter wanted to see Poile make some kind of move to show him as well as Weber that he and the ownership group was committed to winning and spending the money to get the team to the next level.
- PredsFan8

It's been hinted at during a couple of radio interviews. Some people speculating that Suter wants to get to free agency. He comes from a hockey family....this is what they wait for.....wants to see his true value.....blah blah blah.....

If we are in talks with Buffalo, we should be looking at is Stafford, and not Boyes. Yes, Stafford would probably cost quit a bit more but how much more since Buffalo is at the cap ceiling now. But he is younger than Boyes, he also has 4 years left on his deal at 4 million a year. Plus this would probably be the kind of move that could convice Suter and Weber that ownership is serious about winning. Does anyone think he may become available and if so how much would it cost?

according to a radio interview a few weeks back in a nutshell suter was waiting to hit free agency. money was NOT the issue, but rather did he want to play in nashville going forward. what else can poile do?
- predswilrule

Which interview was that? The Poile interview stated something very different. He said Suter and his wife continue to say they want to stay in Nashville, but they want to see if we'll be contenders for the cup.

According to Poile the problem was the he had a 3-4 year plan while Suter and Weber want a 'now' plan. If the indication that Poile is 'going for it' with this team is true, then Weber and Suter should be paying attention. The excuses for not signing are becoming just that, excuses. Excuses are not reasons. This team is taking away all their reasons by playing so well.

If Suter does move on, I'm sure Poile will try to go after a good replacement for him. If that happens then I hope the Preds win the Cup well before Suter and his 'chosen' team do.

I really wish Suter and Weber would step up and be heroes. Help create a continual winner here rather than taking the path of least resistance that so many athletes choose. They're still young. If it doesn't work here then they have plenty of time when their next contract negotiations are due to move on to a team they think they have a better chance at the Cup with than the Preds.

D

It's been hinted at during a couple of radio interviews. Some people speculating that Suter wants to get to free agency. He comes from a hockey family....this is what they wait for.....wants to see his true value.....blah blah blah.....
- Whyme78

I heard an interview on The Zone this morning stating just that. The bottom line is it's just speculation. That guy has no idea what's going on in Suter's head. He also didn't seem to know much about hockey and free agency from what I was hearing.

What a strange situation to be in. They are in awesome shape in the standings, but when you look at the lineup it leaves me scratching my head. How are they doing this? It's through balanced scoring and good defense/goaltending, yet none of these guys are marquis names outside of Weber, Suter, and Rinne.

I can see where Poile has big decisions to make b/c you don't want to upset the apple cart too much. He could go after a superstar, but that would require giving up a lot, or a vet like Whitney for a little more scoring punch without breaking the bank. I don't know what the answer is...weird times.

Edit: I would trade Suter before the deadline if he hasn't signed by then and not let him make it to free agency. Anything is better than nothing!

PHX has a ton of players going to be UFA's or RFA's next season. That could indicate a fire sale being held by the league in an effort to sell the team for relocation. If we are only going to pick up a rental for the rest of the season how does Shane Doan sound? He's a big power forward with 15/15/30.

Edit: I would trade Suter before the deadline if he hasn't signed by then and not let him make it to free agency. Anything is better than nothing!
- Polecat

I do not like the idea of trading Suter before the deadline. I don't think we will get as much as what everyone thinks we are going to get. With Suter being UFA no one is going to give up to much for what could just be a rental. Secondly, the teams that would want Suter want to make a run at the cup this year. They won't want to give up a whole lot, like a top 6 forward which we desperately need. I think they best we could hope for would be a couple of prospects (non NHLers) and a 1st rd pick (which may actually be pretty low if the team we trade him to wins the cup). Last, by trading Suter at the deadline it would demoralize the team, fans, and could seriously effect the way Weber might feel about staying here.

I got to believe that Suter and Weber are going to get resigned eventually, and I say that because I just don't see Rinne resigning with out some kind of assurances that atleast one of those 2 would be resigned if not both.