Last night from TSN: (Re Weber's reaction to Suter's signing and plans for any re-signing here by Shea.)

"He's still in disbelief," Weber's agent Kevin Epp of Titan Sports Management, told TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun on ESPN.com on Thursday. "They were so close this year in terms of the team's chances. They really had a shot. Shea believed there was a good chance that Ryan would stay there. So right now, Shea is still processing this news."

Weber, who turns 27 next month, is already the subject of offseason speculation on whether the Predators will re-sign him or trade him. But according to Epp, no such decision has been made either way.

"We're not in any hurry," he said. "There's no deadline to this. We'll take our time and figure out the right thing to do."

Agents ........... sheeesh.

I'm telling you, Leipold is increasing the teams value and will dump it next year. He will say "I tried but the fans and corporate support isnt responding". Then "that guy" will try and buy them and move them to Hamilton.

All this has happened before and will happen again, again and again...

Ok, this is even better than the tweet about Leipold's quote from April 11. Here's the entire quote.



Nice job Leipold.

EDIT: Here's the Puck Daddy article. It's a great read.

http://sports.yahoo.com/b...erfeed&utm_medium=twitter
- Predaceous

Good grief, give him a firm offer and if he dont take it trade him... I'm sick of this team being held hostage to these guys. I had rather have 4 good lines, than two now one great defenseman. Weber should be worth several good players, not great ones, but good consistent players.
Polie needs to show these guys that management isn't going to be a female dog.

Last night from TSN: (Re Weber's reaction to Suter's signing and plans for any re-signing here by Shea.)

"He's still in disbelief," Weber's agent Kevin Epp of Titan Sports Management, told TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun on ESPN.com on Thursday. "They were so close this year in terms of the team's chances. They really had a shot. Shea believed there was a good chance that Ryan would stay there. So right now, Shea is still processing this news."

Weber, who turns 27 next month, is already the subject of offseason speculation on whether the Predators will re-sign him or trade him. But according to Epp, no such decision has been made either way.

"We're not in any hurry," he said. "There's no deadline to this. We'll take our time and figure out the right thing to do."

Agents ........... sheeesh.
- blueline

Also why couldn't we have gotten Sully back? now hes a yote.. really? What is this world coming to..... Tootoo a red wing?? Good enough for detroit but not good enough for nashville.... This is Madness..

I think I'm going to make a new t- shirt. "Pass on Shea, let him go away"

I think I'm going to make a new t- shirt. "Pass on Shea, let him go away"
- PREDX1

What is your major malfunction??

What is your major malfunction??
- Polecat

Shea weber vs DP vs the fans

Not that I'd expect you to do so as a Blackhawks blogger, but you haven't spent much time in the Wings' forums. There are certainly delusional fans that just believe Ken Holland waves his magic wand each season and the team will contend, but there are plenty of us who understand the reality of the situation. The Wings are at a crossroads. They need to choose whether to attempt a fast rebuild by moving a few players or they need to aggressively trade and take some risks to attempt to stay among the elite teams. The worst thing they can do is nothing, and slowly fade as we've all seen them do the past couple of seasons. This team has been losing a little piece of Lidstrom each season - no PK time, down from 30+ to about 20 mins per night, a slower step here and there. No doubt I'd want Lidstrom back in a heartbeat, but the loss has been slowly coming along (similar to Yzerman post knee injury). No question losing two of their top 4 D hurts like hell, but I don't think the forward unit is any worse than last season, and it is currently deeper. Hudler was only effective when paired with Datsyuk, and Holmstrom was either hurt, in the box, or in babcock's doghouse on the bench. Howard takes way too much blame and I think the Wings net is just fine if he is healthy. Is this team a Cup Contender? Nope, and they won't be without some serious help on defense and a better scoring winger. However, this team also didn't go from continual playoff team to bottom of the barrel. If this team stays healthy, they likely still make the playoffs, but changes have to be made to keep pace with the rest of the league moving forward. Bottom line, informed Wings fans know that this team needs a decent bit of work to get back to where they want to be.

EDIT: After reading my opening line, I just wanted to make sure you knew it wasn't intended as a slam. I just know you spend a lot of time following up on the Hawks and I am sure you don't spend a ton of time in the wings forums (as I very rarely see you post in there).
- Striker7

Not taken that way at all, and I think this is a great post.

Personally, I think the smartest thing to do—though the hardest to sell to the fans— is to do a total rebuild. Holland is smart enough and their scouting is good enough that they could be dominant again in 3-4 years. I think the problem there is the economy still being a bit dicey in MI (I lived there from 1992-2006) there could be a really tough time for Ilitch's monetary interests if they tanked for 3-4 years.

The other issue there is at that point Datsyuk is 38-39, so the argument to try to reload around him as just as strong.

I do know the Wings roster and their prospects really well and I am doubtful they will be able to hold on to their current level just trying to build/grow organically with drafting and developing. They have been devastated on the blueline, Datsyuk, Kronwall and Franzen have all taken some big injuries. Suter especially and Parise were their big hope to keep it going this summer. There's a better crop next summer but as this summer proves, it ain't as easy as flying Little Caesar's jet out here anymore. And Holland doesn't have a Magic Wand. This day was always coming. In many ways, Wings fans are lucky this didn't happen 3-4 years ago.

I will also tell you that it is just tough. The Hawks have slid since 2010 obviously and they haven't done much this offseason either.

Last night from TSN: (Re Weber's reaction to Suter's signing and plans for any re-signing here by Shea.)

"He's still in disbelief," Weber's agent Kevin Epp of Titan Sports Management, told TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun on ESPN.com on Thursday. "They were so close this year in terms of the team's chances. They really had a shot. Shea believed there was a good chance that Ryan would stay there. So right now, Shea is still processing this news."

Weber, who turns 27 next month, is already the subject of offseason speculation on whether the Predators will re-sign him or trade him. But according to Epp, no such decision has been made either way.

"We're not in any hurry," he said. "There's no deadline to this. We'll take our time and figure out the right thing to do."

Agents ........... sheeesh.
- blueline

If I was Weber, I would be offended...apparently Suter is more "interested" in Parise. (Geesh, as a grown man, I would be embarassed to use "wanting to play with another grown man" as a reason to play for a team--it makes sense in high school, maybe...but not the pro's).

And as far as the whole "we have no timetable" language from Weber's agent...is that code language for "we're gonna do the Preds the same way Suter did?"

If I was Weber, I would be offended...apparently Suter is more "interested" in Parise. (Geesh, as a grown man, I would be embarassed to use "wanting to play with another grown man" as a reason to play for a team--it makes sense in high school, maybe...but not the pro's).

And as far as the whole "we have no timetable" language from Weber's agent...is that code language for "we're gonna do the Preds the same way Suter did?"
- wings-suck

Kariya and Selanne orchestrated a similar move to play together in Colorado. Of course, they had a lot of history playing on the same line in Anaheim, but the point is, this isn't unheard of.

I don't mind Suter deciding to move on. He had a right to choose where he wanted to go. What I do mind is what seems like the constant parade of lies, demands and deceptions he perpetrated on Poile while orchestrating this move.

He keeps denying that he planned this all along, but earlier in the season there was a HNIC hotstove segment where they specifically talked about how Suter was trying to recruit Parise to go to MN with him. Then Zach comes out the last couple of days and says Suter talked him into going to MN with him, and finally, yesterday I read an article where Leipold talks about how Suter's agent challenges him and Fletcher on their very first meeting to go all in and sign Suter AND Parise.

So Suter acting like this was a difficult decision was baloney, and I'd like to thank him for messing up my holiday. I will not be cheering when he returns to the Bridge, and I hope to GOD they don't give him a tribute video. Tootoo either. The only one I want to see anything for would be Smithson.

Kariya and Selanne orchestrated a similar move to play together in Colorado. Of course, they had a lot of history playing on the same line in Anaheim, but the point is, this isn't unheard of.

I don't mind Suter deciding to move on. He had a right to choose where he wanted to go. What I do mind is what seems like the constant parade of lies, demands and deceptions he perpetrated on Poile while orchestrating this move.

He keeps denying that he planned this all along, but earlier in the season there was a HNIC hotstove segment where they specifically talked about how Suter was trying to recruit Parise to go to MN with him. Then Zach comes out the last couple of days and says Suter talked him into going to MN with him, and finally, yesterday I read an article where Leipold talks about how Suter's agent challenges him and Fletcher on their very first meeting to go all in and sign Suter AND Parise.

So Suter acting like this was a difficult decision was baloney, and I'd like to thank him for messing up my holiday. I will not be cheering when he returns to the Bridge, and I hope to GOD they don't give him a tribute video. Tootoo either. The only one I want to see anything for would be Smithson.
- Predaceous

You're exactly right on with this post. Anyone who is blaming Poile for this needs to look at all the facts. Poile thought he was dealing with an honorable guy, when in reality he was dealing with a coward and/or a liar. The only fault that Poile has, if any, is believing Suter would be true to his word. I know in many other parts of the world people don't put a lot of stock in that, but around here a person's word still means something. I am still of the belief a man's word is all he really has.

Like you, I won't be cheering for Suter; and if they try to give him a tribute, I hope it is drowned out by the boos from the stands. I hope boos are the only reception Suter receives in Nashville for the remaining of his time in the NHL.

Kariya and Selanne orchestrated a similar move to play together in Colorado. Of course, they had a lot of history playing on the same line in Anaheim, but the point is, this isn't unheard of.

I don't mind Suter deciding to move on. He had a right to choose where he wanted to go. What I do mind is what seems like the constant parade of lies, demands and deceptions he perpetrated on Poile while orchestrating this move.

He keeps denying that he planned this all along, but earlier in the season there was a HNIC hotstove segment where they specifically talked about how Suter was trying to recruit Parise to go to MN with him. Then Zach comes out the last couple of days and says Suter talked him into going to MN with him, and finally, yesterday I read an article where Leipold talks about how Suter's agent challenges him and Fletcher on their very first meeting to go all in and sign Suter AND Parise.

So Suter acting like this was a difficult decision was baloney, and I'd like to thank him for messing up my holiday. I will not be cheering when he returns to the Bridge, and I hope to GOD they don't give him a tribute video. Tootoo either. The only one I want to see anything for would be Smithson.
- Predaceous

This

You're exactly right on with this post. Anyone who is blaming Poile for this needs to look at all the facts. Poile thought he was dealing with an honorable guy, when in reality he was dealing with a coward and/or a liar. The only fault that Poile has, if any, is believing Suter would be true to his word. I know in many other parts of the world people don't put a lot of stock in that, but around here a person's word still means something. I am still of the belief a man's word is all he really has.

Like you, I won't be cheering for Suter; and if they try to give him a tribute, I hope it is drowned out by the boos from the stands. I hope boos are the only reception Suter receives in Nashville for the remaining of his time in the NHL.
- preds24

Let's also not forget that Lou Lamoriello was in the exact same position as Poile, believing his player wanted to sign and holding onto that until the very end. I doubt anyone is questioning his credentials as a GM.

You're exactly right on with this post. Anyone who is blaming Poile for this needs to look at all the facts. Poile thought he was dealing with an honorable guy, when in reality he was dealing with a coward and/or a liar. The only fault that Poile has, if any, is believing Suter would be true to his word. I know in many other parts of the world people don't put a lot of stock in that, but around here a person's word still means something. I am still of the belief a man's word is all he really has.

Like you, I won't be cheering for Suter; and if they try to give him a tribute, I hope it is drowned out by the boos from the stands. I hope boos are the only reception Suter receives in Nashville for the remaining of his time in the NHL.
- preds24

and this. I hope Poile does not make the same mistake with Weber. No more Mr. Nice guy, Poile! It's a shame it has to be that way.

and this. I hope Poile does not make the same mistake with Weber. No more Mr. Nice guy, Poile! It's a shame it has to be that way.
- Polecat

As a fan, I need to see something positive happen pretty darn soon. Way too quiet @5th and Broad.

As a fan, I need to see something positive happen pretty darn soon. Way too quiet @5th and Broad.
- Fangor

Josh Cooper has a new article out. Sounds promising regarding Webs, but then again, Poile was optimistic about Suter too. Still, a good read.

http://tinyurl.com/cww7a3u

Kariya and Selanne orchestrated a similar move to play together in Colorado. Of course, they had a lot of history playing on the same line in Anaheim, but the point is, this isn't unheard of.

I don't mind Suter deciding to move on. He had a right to choose where he wanted to go. What I do mind is what seems like the constant parade of lies, demands and deceptions he perpetrated on Poile while orchestrating this move.

He keeps denying that he planned this all along, but earlier in the season there was a HNIC hotstove segment where they specifically talked about how Suter was trying to recruit Parise to go to MN with him. Then Zach comes out the last couple of days and says Suter talked him into going to MN with him, and finally, yesterday I read an article where Leipold talks about how Suter's agent challenges him and Fletcher on their very first meeting to go all in and sign Suter AND Parise.

So Suter acting like this was a difficult decision was baloney, and I'd like to thank him for messing up my holiday. I will not be cheering when he returns to the Bridge, and I hope to GOD they don't give him a tribute video. Tootoo either. The only one I want to see anything for would be Smithson.
- Predaceous

Oh...hold on...don't get me wrong. I completely agree that Suter is a liar. And I fully intend to boo when he comes to town. I plan on changing the name on my suter t-shirt to "liar" for the next Wild game.

I intend to boo toots, also. I agree that it was his time to go away from the preds...but, he had 29 teams to choose from, and he just picked the wrong one, as far as I'm concerned. He's a red wing...and I hate them all (except for Dats).

Smithson, on the other hand, gets all my cheers. I just love the guy!

Oh...hold on...don't get me wrong. I completely agree that Suter is a liar. And I fully intend to boo when he comes to town. I plan on changing the name on my suter t-shirt to "liar" for the next Wild game.

I intend to boo toots, also. I agree that it was his time to go away from the preds...but, he had 29 teams to choose from, and he just picked the wrong one, as far as I'm concerned. He's a red wing...and I hate them all (except for Dats).

Smithson, on the other hand, gets all my cheers. I just love the guy!
- wings-suck

Re-read my comment about Smithson. I said he's the only one I WANT to see a tribute to.

Tootoo is on my s* list not just because he signed with Detroit, but because he seemed to do so out of spite and took the time to put in a couple of parting shots at the Preds.

The Preds offered him a contract, he turned it down. According to Poile there were still some hurt feelings about being benched last season. Wah! Tootoo didn't just pick the wrong team, he intentionally picked the wrong team.

D

Re-read my comment about Smithson. I said he's the only one I WANT to see a tribute to.

Tootoo is on my s* list not just because he signed with Detroit, but because he seemed to do so out of spite and took the time to put in a couple of parting shots at the Preds.

The Preds offered him a contract, he turned it down. According to Poile there were still some hurt feelings about being benched last season. Wah! Tootoo didn't just pick the wrong team, he intentionally picked the wrong team.

D
- Predaceous

Toots is a turd. He outlived his usefulness here. I know he was a favorite of a lot of fans, but I'm glad to see him leave.

Toots is a turd. He outlived his usefulness here. I know he was a favorite of a lot of fans, but I'm glad to see him leave.
- Polecat

What did 22 say I missed that.

Not taken that way at all, and I think this is a great post.

Personally, I think the smartest thing to do—though the hardest to sell to the fans— is to do a total rebuild. Holland is smart enough and their scouting is good enough that they could be dominant again in 3-4 years. I think the problem there is the economy still being a bit dicey in MI (I lived there from 1992-2006) there could be a really tough time for Ilitch's monetary interests if they tanked for 3-4 years.

The other issue there is at that point Datsyuk is 38-39, so the argument to try to reload around him as just as strong.

I do know the Wings roster and their prospects really well and I am doubtful they will be able to hold on to their current level just trying to build/grow organically with drafting and developing. They have been devastated on the blueline, Datsyuk, Kronwall and Franzen have all taken some big injuries. Suter especially and Parise were their big hope to keep it going this summer. There's a better crop next summer but as this summer proves, it ain't as easy as flying Little Caesar's jet out here anymore. And Holland doesn't have a Magic Wand. This day was always coming. In many ways, Wings fans are lucky this didn't happen 3-4 years ago.

I will also tell you that it is just tough. The Hawks have slid since 2010 obviously and they haven't done much this offseason either.
- John Jaeckel

The one thing the Hawks have that the Wings don't is plenty of youth. Still lots of time for that group to figure it out and make quite a few more runs at it. The Wings have a couple of young guys, but not much else behind them for the near future. I think Brendan Smith will have a really solid season for the Wings. I got to see him play in Grand Rapids a few times and the puck moving, skating, and offensive awareness are there. He just needs work in his own zone. I only got to see Nyquist once in Grand Rapids, but the game I did see he was far and away the best player on the ice. He is small, but the skills are there. I think he will need some time to adjust, but I think he's a top 9, maybe even a top 6 forward in 2-3 years.

I'm telling you, Leipold is increasing the teams value and will dump it next year. He will say "I tried but the fans and corporate support isnt responding". Then "that guy" will try and buy them and move them to Hamilton.

All this has happened before and will happen again, again and again...
- PREDX1

Leipold and Suter deserve each other - believe that in the long run, Suter will be a sorry puppy

I will wait till September before I start saying anything about any team. Suter was a great opportunity to get a start of filling some holes in the back end for the good guys and was the "sexy" way to do it... but I don't think he was the only way to do it.

We sha'll see what the future brings, who knows.... maybe we have the new #1 already and don't know it.

sometimes, the best signings are the ones you don't make.

Josh Cooper has a new article out. Sounds promising regarding Webs, but then again, Poile was optimistic about Suter too. Still, a good read.

http://tinyurl.com/cww7a3u
- Predaceous

Keith Yandle might help Weber forget what's his name?!!! DP needs to offer sheet Martin Hanzel!

Leipold and Suter deserve each other - believe that in the long run, Suter will be a sorry puppy
- PredsLady

We will find out how good Ryan is without his safety net. Sutes will get hit just a little more without Webs.