Paul McCann: Preseason Preview - Nashville Defense

Paul McCann: Preseason Preview - Nashville Defense
- pmccann

I said it last summer and will say it again! Klein will have more points than Suter this year. No way Suter plays the whole season without Weber to protect him. Hannan is an upgrade over Frankie. Enjoyed getting to know Gill and Hannan during the player informal skates. These guys will be a difference in the locker room especially for the whole season or 48 games. I loved Suter's game but won't miss him as much as I thought.

I'm ready for the puck to drop!!!

I said it last summer and will say it again! Klein will have more points than Suter this year. No way Suter plays the whole season without Weber to protect him. Hannan is an upgrade over Frankie. Enjoyed getting to know Gill and Hannan during the player informal skates. These guys will be a difference in the locker room especially for the whole season or 48 games. I loved Suter's game but won't miss him as much as I thought.

I'm ready for the puck to drop!!!
- slash&smash

Not to mention the whole distraction of Suter's contract status (will he or won't he) is gone. Same for Weber as a matter of fact. The Preds can now play without all the speculation hammering them at every turn.

To summarize... I'm excited.

I'm not trying to stir up trouble, but I have a general question for Predators' fans:
Being as Shea Weber was willing to leave Nashville for more money, do you have any ill feelings about him retaining his captaincy? Do you feel that a captain should show more commitment to the team?
I'm just curious.

I'm not trying to stir up trouble, but I have a general question for Predators' fans:
Being as Shea Weber was willing to leave Nashville for more money, do you have any ill feelings about him retaining his captaincy? Do you feel that a captain should show more commitment to the team?
I'm just curious.
- jmatchett

Nope. I honestly expect to read in his biography after he retires that the whole situation was a setup before the CBA expired. Everybody knew what was going on.

Nope. I honestly expect to read in his biography after he retires that the whole situation was a setup before the CBA expired. Everybody knew what was going on.
- iamageek

Or that maybe he wanted out of Nashville...

Nope. I honestly expect to read in his biography after he retires that the whole situation was a setup before the CBA expired. Everybody knew what was going on.
- iamageek

That's sort of elaborate.

I honestly think he viewed it as a Win-Win. Either go to Philly and get paid like a champ, or stay in Nashville and get paid like a champ.

Considering that Nashville has fed players to philly over the years it's not surprising that philly tried to go back to the well again. Nashville has bore some strong players over the years that paid dues with Nashville only to become much better players afterwards. I wont say as a result of Nashville formerly not being able to support the true caliber of player that they were, or that that there was more chemistry elsewhere but it does happen.

I think that his attempted departure was him doing what he needed to do to get paid. Nashville wisely paid the piper. As a team we have the reputation of solid defensive scouting. Shea will be a benefit currently as a player and when the eventual changing of the guard occurs via his skill and leadership. It was a no brainer to keep him. Even at this point if he isn't loyal to Nashville he is being paid to be loyal. The front office have treated him with due respect that a top tier player deserves and he has responded with that same respect. I dont think you could ask for any more from him in that regard.

Or that maybe he wanted out of Nashville...
- whipper334

If he wanted out he would have signed his 1-year tender and then he would have been a UFA this summer. He decided to get his long deal while he could get it and was happy either ending up in Philly or here. He is the captain of this team for the next 14 seasons and we couldn't be happier about that

If he wanted out he would have signed his 1-year tender and then he would have been a UFA this summer. He decided to get his long deal while he could get it and was happy either ending up in Philly or here. He is the captain of this team for the next 14 seasons and we couldn't be happier about that
- bigpredfan

No offense, but this take is a bit naive. You don't think his agent was in his ear the entire time, knowing there would be a lock out, knowing there would be new contract restrictions forthcoming?

Whether or not he wanted out of Nashville, his plan was no doubt to get a shiny new long term deal worth over $100 million and it's fairly likely his agent knew that deal was going to be impossible after the new CBA was signed.

Whether it was a ploy to get Nashville to move or simply just a ploy to get the best possible deal, rest assured it was a ploy nonetheless. I'm glad Nashville fans get their captain back for the rest of his career, but if he hadn't been willing to leave in order to get his pay day, he wouldn't have signed the offer sheet in the first place.

I love ya Paul...and I hate to be the spelling Nazi..but..

It's Klein and Hannan....

Considering that Nashville has fed players to philly over the years it's not surprising that philly tried to go back to the well again. Nashville has bore some strong players over the years that paid dues with Nashville only to become much better players afterwards. I wont say as a result of Nashville formerly not being able to support the true caliber of player that they were, or that that there was more chemistry elsewhere but it does happen.

I think that his attempted departure was him doing what he needed to do to get paid. Nashville wisely paid the piper. As a team we have the reputation of solid defensive scouting. Shea will be a benefit currently as a player and when the eventual changing of the guard occurs via his skill and leadership. It was a no brainer to keep him. Even at this point if he isn't loyal to Nashville he is being paid to be loyal. The front office have treated him with due respect that a top tier player deserves and he has responded with that same respect. I dont think you could ask for any more from him in that regard.
- Pig

I don't think Nashville fans need to feel bad about this. My guess is most players' loyalty in any sport is first and foremost to the all mighty dollar. I don't doubt some players have certain loyalties to their teams and coaches, but in the end, money talks and these guys are just as human as you or I when it comes to financial security.

No offense, but this take is a bit naive. You don't think his agent was in his ear the entire time, knowing there would be a lock out, knowing there would be new contract restrictions forthcoming?

Whether or not he wanted out of Nashville, his plan was no doubt to get a shiny new long term deal worth over $100 million and it's fairly likely his agent knew that deal was going to be impossible after the new CBA was signed.

Whether it was a ploy to get Nashville to move or simply just a ploy to get the best possible deal, rest assured it was a ploy nonetheless. I'm glad Nashville fans get their captain back for the rest of his career, but if he hadn't been willing to leave in order to get his pay day, he wouldn't have signed the offer sheet in the first place.
- MnGump

Lots of players have signed RFA deals only to be retained by their original team, and it worked out just fine. Federov, Kesler etc. It's just business. Shea knew that the Preds had every intention of matching any offer sheet. He visited four teams and the Flyers just happened to be the ones who gave him what he wanted. I think his agents are tools, but I believe Weber is sincere when he says he's happy to be here.

I love ya Paul...and I hate to be the spelling Nazi..but..

It's Klein and Hannan....
- HardCorePredFan316

Paul hasn't spelled Klein's name correctly in years. It's become a drinking game by now.

Btw, he's totally aware that he does it.

I don't think Nashville fans need to feel bad about this. My guess is most players' loyalty in any sport is first and foremost to the all mighty dollar. I don't doubt some players have certain loyalties to their teams and coaches, but in the end, money talks and these guys are just as human as you or I when it comes to financial security.
- MnGump

Agreed. Just because they are public figures doesnt mean they aren't also people with needs. Weber is all good. No worries here.

Lots of players have signed RFA deals only to be retained by their original team, and it worked out just fine. Federov, Kesler etc. It's just business. Shea knew that the Preds had every intention of matching any offer sheet. He visited four teams and the Flyers just happened to be the ones who gave him what he wanted. I think his agents are tools, but I believe Weber is sincere when he says he's happy to be here.
- Predaceous

Oh no doubt. I agree with you. I was just saying that even if he thought Nashville would match or not, he was willing to leave to get what he wanted, bottom line.

I mean you can't really blame him, landing in Philly wouldn't have been the worst that could have happened to him. By signing that offer sheet, he knew one way or the other he was getting his pay day and a handsome one at that, that would have never manifested itself had he merely signed a 1 year tender and sought out UFA after this season.

I think Weber is right where he wanted to be all along.

Paul McCann: Preseason Preview - Nashville Defense
- pmccann

Tessier i gotta give it up to you, this is the blog of the year so far

"- The Prodigal Pred has apparently been sent down to his KHL team’s farm team as a disciplinary action. So it looks like even the KHL is getting fed up with Radulov’s antics."
nuff said

and on the losing of Suter thing i completely agree with you, imo-and not to take anything away from Suter as he is an elite D in the league- i think it'll become clear quickly who misses who the most when minesota starts playing, i dont think Suter is worth that contract....too much there's only 2 D who could deserve that kind of contract in the league right now its Webber (who has one) and Chara (if he were 5 years younger) otherwise i still think suter got way too much and too long

I said it last summer and will say it again! Klein will have more points than Suter this year. No way Suter plays the whole season without Weber to protect him. Hannan is an upgrade over Frankie. Enjoyed getting to know Gill and Hannan during the player informal skates. These guys will be a difference in the locker room especially for the whole season or 48 games. I loved Suter's game but won't miss him as much as I thought.

I'm ready for the puck to drop!!!
- slash&smash

i hope you're kidding about klein. he will never have more points than suter. even if he was equally skilled, which he isnt, suter is a #1 PP unit set up man. klein doesnt even play on the PP. also, i think we need to be more worried that suter carried weber. not better, but suters d-1st approach allowed weber ALOT of freedom. he knew suter had the backend. josi<<<<< suter defensively speaking so that will be a work in progress. same for any other dman pairing w/ weber.

Tessier i gotta give it up to you, this is the blog of the year so far

"- The Prodigal Pred has apparently been sent down to his KHL team’s farm team as a disciplinary action. So it looks like even the KHL is getting fed up with Radulov’s antics."
nuff said

and on the losing of Suter thing i completely agree with you, imo-and not to take anything away from Suter as he is an elite D in the league- i think it'll become clear quickly who misses who the most when minesota starts playing, i dont think Suter is worth that contract....too much there's only 2 D who could deserve that kind of contract in the league right now its Webber (who has one) and Chara (if he were 5 years younger) otherwise i still think suter got way too much and too long
- Habitants98

By himself, yes, but packaged with Parise, maybe not. As a Wild fan I spoke against signing both from the git go when the rumors started flying that Mn was in contention for either and possibly both.

a) I didn't believe the Wild could get either let alone both with all the teams reported to be courting the two.

b) I wanted Parise more than Suter but would have settled for either if it had come down to one or the other.

After the deal was announced and the dust settled, I was pretty pleased as a Wild fan to have both the top free agents sign with my favorite team. A bit of sticker shock felt by most Wild fans, but seeing how the Wild immediate future sits with $14 million coming off the books after this season and about $10 million after next, and insert top rated prospect pool in the league, I think the Wild made a good choice in taking Parise and Suter as a package deal.

I'm fairly certain a number of other teams would have been willing to make the very same deal to get both.

That being said, I think both players got way more than either are worth.

As for "D".
No Eaton but will take Franson back.

IMO Suter burned his bridge in Nashville with his lackluster play in the second half and in the playoffs, his complete 180 during his contract negotiations only added the cherry to the top of the crap pie he fed everyone. When DP goes on radio and TV and says in all honesty that Suter basically lied to him right up to the end that says something. At least Weber kept his mouth shut and let his agent play the fool.

Who cares, Josi will end up being quite a nice fit far sooner than later.

If Josi ends up with more points than Suter, is it Weber helping him, Suter over rated or just maybe he's actually really pretty good?

I've missed this inane jabbering. Glad to see CNN/SI hasn't missed a beat in their complete moronic-ness.. AK is a big scoring loss for Predators.. For Christs sake..

As for "D".
No Eaton but will take Franson back.
- wrister

Franson would have my vote also..

IMO Suter burned his bridge in Nashville with his lackluster play in the second half and in the playoffs, his complete 180 during his contract negotiations only added the cherry to the top of the crap pie he fed everyone. When DP goes on radio and TV and says in all honesty that Suter basically lied to him right up to the end that says something. At least Weber kept his mouth shut and let his agent play the fool.

Who cares, Josi will end up being quite a nice fit far sooner than later.

If Josi ends up with more points than Suter, is it Weber helping him, Suter over rated or just maybe he's actually really pretty good?

I've missed this inane jabbering. Glad to see CNN/SI hasn't missed a beat in their complete moronic-ness.. AK is a big scoring loss for Predators.. For Christs sake..
- coaster28

They must mean in the Phoenix night-life sense..LOL

Paul hasn't spelled Klein's name correctly in years. It's become a drinking game by now.

Btw, he's totally aware that he does it.
- Predaceous

I just hope they spell it correctly on the cup after Shea receives it from the commissioner!!