Paul McCann: Wants and Needs

Even as an Ottawa fan, the idiots yelling last night were getting annoying. I had no issue with boo'ing Lupul when he was announced, or the over-rated chant on Phaneuf... if it were in Toronto, it'd be the same reception for our guys, but once is enough, once is funny.. the whole evening of it got old nad just seemed like drunken idiots randomly yelling nonsense.
I missed the Wade Belak comment, but thats uncalled for and unacceptable.

I really don't think getting a Parise will convince Suter or Weber that ownership is willing to spend and get a cup. The only way getting Parise will convince Suter or Weber of anything is if they resign Parise which will probably be around the 7.5 million mark if not more. Does anyone really think we would resign Parise at that number? That would mean we would have 4 players at or over the 7 million mark and is ownership really willing to go that high? What would that mean for resigning some of our current players (i.e. SK74, Wilson, Tootoo just to name a few)? I think we should be looking at a guy that has a couple years left on a contract, I know that it would definately cost us more but that would send the message to Suter and Weber. I would like to look at a guy like Vrbata, Ryan or Stafford if they would even be available.

Ok, I'm going to turn into a spelling Nazi because I'm seeing this happen WAY too often right now.

resign
verb (used without object)
1. to give up an office or position, often formally (often followed by from ): to resign from the presidency.
2. to submit; yield: to resign before the inevitable.
verb (used with object)
3. to give up (an office, position, etc.), often formally.
4. to relinquish (a right, claim, agreement, etc.).
5. to give or sign over, as to the control or care of another: She resigned her child to an adoption agency.
6. to submit (oneself, one's mind, etc.) without resistance.

Poile must resign himself to the fact that Suter will leave at the end of the season

re-sign
verb (used with object), verb (used without object)
1. to sign again.
2. to renew or extend a contract.

Poile was thrilled to announce that he was able to re-sign Suter to a new contract.


It's just a simple little dash, but it makes a big difference in the meaning of the word. Those of you who don't like being corrected, sorry. Think of it as a life lesson.

Ok, I'm going to turn into a spelling Nazi because I'm seeing this happen WAY too often right now.

resign
verb (used without object)
1. to give up an office or position, often formally (often followed by from ): to resign from the presidency.
2. to submit; yield: to resign before the inevitable.
verb (used with object)
3. to give up (an office, position, etc.), often formally.
4. to relinquish (a right, claim, agreement, etc.).
5. to give or sign over, as to the control or care of another: She resigned her child to an adoption agency.
6. to submit (oneself, one's mind, etc.) without resistance.

Poile must resign himself to the fact that Suter will leave at the end of the season

re-sign
verb (used with object), verb (used without object)
1. to sign again.
2. to renew or extend a contract.

Poile was thrilled to announce that he was able to re-sign Suter to a new contract.


It's just a simple little dash, but it makes a big difference in the meaning of the word. Those of you who don't like being corrected, sorry. Think of it as a life lesson.
- Predaceous

well done D

how about, Poile should resign if he doesn't do everything possible to encourage Suter to re-sign.

well done D

how about, Poile should resign if he doesn't do everything possible to encourage Suter to re-sign.
- im4preds

Lol, nice one.

You know, I may be crazy, but the longer this goes on, the less fretful I'm becoming about losing Suter. I think that somehow Poile will replace Suter adequately if he leaves.

Before the start of the season I picked Klein to be the Preds' breakout player, and since he's come back from his flu, he's been every bit as good as Suter and Weber in the defense category. Klein's maturation will make losing Suter hurt a lot less. Maybe Blum regains his form from a year ago, once that sophomore jinx is over with. Maybe Ekholm vastly improves. Maybe we re-sign O'Brien again. I dunno.

It'll be disappointing if Suter leaves, but I'll be more disappointed in him than the team.

Even as an Ottawa fan, the idiots yelling last night were getting annoying. I had no issue with boo'ing Lupul when he was announced, or the over-rated chant on Phaneuf... if it were in Toronto, it'd be the same reception for our guys, but once is enough, once is funny.. the whole evening of it got old nad just seemed like drunken idiots randomly yelling nonsense.
I missed the Wade Belak comment, but thats uncalled for and unacceptable.
- Lohaus

Well said.

Lol, nice one.

You know, I may be crazy, but the longer this goes on, the less fretful I'm becoming about losing Suter. I think that somehow Poile will replace Suter adequately if he leaves.

Before the start of the season I picked Klein to be the Preds' breakout player, and since he's come back from his flu, he's been every bit as good as Suter and Weber in the defense category. Klein's maturation will make losing Suter hurt a lot less. Maybe Blum regains his form from a year ago, once that sophomore jinx is over with. Maybe Ekholm vastly improves. Maybe we re-sign O'Brien again. I dunno.

It'll be disappointing if Suter leaves, but I'll be more disappointed in him than the team.
- Predaceous

I would prefer to re-load than re-sign. I really love the future of Kostitsyn, Tootoo, & Wilson. If Suter doesn't see the future of this team now & years to come, wants to head to free agency move his ass for re-placements!!!

Lol, nice one.

You know, I may be crazy, but the longer this goes on, the less fretful I'm becoming about losing Suter. I think that somehow Poile will replace Suter adequately if he leaves.


- Predaceous

I tend to agree. At the start of the season, I would have preferred to keep Suter over Weber. But now, I think we would be okay if we weren't able to keep Suter. Josi and Ellis are holding their own right now, and hopefully will continue to improve.

Now, that being said....I still hope they are able to re-sign both Suter and Weber.

Lol, nice one.

You know, I may be crazy, but the longer this goes on, the less fretful I'm becoming about losing Suter. I think that somehow Poile will replace Suter adequately if he leaves.

Before the start of the season I picked Klein to be the Preds' breakout player, and since he's come back from his flu, he's been every bit as good as Suter and Weber in the defense category. Klein's maturation will make losing Suter hurt a lot less. Maybe Blum regains his form from a year ago, once that sophomore jinx is over with. Maybe Ekholm vastly improves. Maybe we re-sign O'Brien again. I dunno.

It'll be disappointing if Suter leaves, but I'll be more disappointed in him than the team.
- Predaceous

Oh, I think this organization has shown that it is bigger than anyone individual and agree with your assessment on our d-men. Honestly, my biggest concern with this entire mess is the preception of the Organization in the eyes of the hockey community outside of Nashville. We are constantly referred to as a bottom feeder organization (being able to do more with less) but never really going for the all out for Lord Stanley. I think signing Suter and/or Weber is as much about the Preds overall reputation going forward as it is about retaining them as members of the Preds.

I dont know what I would do if I were Poile. I would hope that the ownership group is truly willing to spend it to win it but..... It has been proven over and over that it is very difficult if not impossible to buy the Cup. It is all about timing and luck. Yes you have to have talent but it takes a lot more. What if Erat had NOT made that pass in game 5 against the Hawks and the Preds had won? Would the Hawks have been able to come to Nashville and win game six then go back to United Center and win game 7? I dont know. I dont think they would have but we will never know. The point is they got a favorable bounce of the puck or whatever and it propelled them to win the whole damn thing.

Oh, I think this organization has shown that it is bigger than anyone individual and agree with your assessment on our d-men. Honestly, my biggest concern with this entire mess is the preception of the Organization in the eyes of the hockey community outside of Nashville. We are constantly referred to as a bottom feeder organization (being able to do more with less) but never really going for the all out for Lord Stanley. I think signing Suter and/or Weber is as much about the Preds overall reputation going forward as it is about retaining them as members of the Preds.

I dont know what I would do if I were Poile. I would hope that the ownership group is truly willing to spend it to win it but..... It has been proven over and over that it is very difficult if not impossible to buy the Cup. It is all about timing and luck. Yes you have to have talent but it takes a lot more. What if Erat had NOT made that pass in game 5 against the Hawks and the Preds had won? Would the Hawks have been able to come to Nashville and win game six then go back to United Center and win game 7? I dont know. I dont think they would have but we will never know. The point is they got a favorable bounce of the puck or whatever and it propelled them to win the whole damn thing.
- im4preds

I totally concur. I do think that signing Rinne was a great move for this organization, but what does it say to the casual fan if Suter leaves after saying that he wants to see a commitment to winning? This is where I put the onus on Suter.

In my eyes, this team is committed to winning. They've shown it with their play, with Rinne's contract and with, I believe, the contract they have sitting on the table for Suter and Weber. I don't believe that Suter and Weber can continue to play the 'commitment to winning' card now that we see how this team, the youngest team in the league, is playing. It will only get better, and if they commit to being the cornerstones of the franchise, that championship may be here sooner than any of us think.

Regarding signing a forward to convince Suter/Weber to re-sign, I thought the potential issue NSH was facing was having to spend 7M on a goalie (locked in), 7.5M for Weber and likely 6M on Suter for a total of over 20M/yr in cap space for 3 defensive players for a cost conscious team. I haven't heard any rumours that either player wanted out of NSH. Am I wrong here?

I tend to agree. At the start of the season, I would have preferred to keep Suter over Weber. But now, I think we would be okay if we weren't able to keep Suter. Josi and Ellis are holding their own right now, and hopefully will continue to improve.

Now, that being said....I still hope they are able to re-sign both Suter and Weber.
- Whyme78

I think Josi will be a top twenty d-man stud in a couple of years. Ellis is doing quite well also. While we're at it, Bourque is coming along nicely. He is smallish, but plays like a big man. He isn't afraid to shoot the puck either.

Regarding signing a forward to convince Suter/Weber to re-sign, I thought the potential issue NSH was facing was having to spend 7M on a goalie (locked in), 7.5M for Weber and likely 6M on Suter for a total of over 20M/yr in cap space for 3 defensive players for a cost conscious team. I haven't heard any rumours that either player wanted out of NSH. Am I wrong here?
- AlexF

Money isn't the issue with Suter and Weber. Also, I believe Suter has probably been offered more than $6M per year. The prevailing belief is that they both want to play for a team that can win the Cup. Until Preds management can show they will do what's necessary to do that, they won't sign here.

The Preds can afford a big contract for Suter, Weber, and Rinne. What remains to be seen is how they would also afford the contract for a legitimate top tier forward on top of that.

Oh, I think this organization has shown that it is bigger than anyone individual and agree with your assessment on our d-men. Honestly, my biggest concern with this entire mess is the preception of the Organization in the eyes of the hockey community outside of Nashville. We are constantly referred to as a bottom feeder organization (being able to do more with less) but never really going for the all out for Lord Stanley. I think signing Suter and/or Weber is as much about the Preds overall reputation going forward as it is about retaining them as members of the Preds.

I dont know what I would do if I were Poile. I would hope that the ownership group is truly willing to spend it to win it but..... It has been proven over and over that it is very difficult if not impossible to buy the Cup. It is all about timing and luck. Yes you have to have talent but it takes a lot more. What if Erat had NOT made that pass in game 5 against the Hawks and the Preds had won? Would the Hawks have been able to come to Nashville and win game six then go back to United Center and win game 7? I dont know. I dont think they would have but we will never know. The point is they got a favorable bounce of the puck or whatever and it propelled them to win the whole damn thing.
- im4preds

Don't necessarily agree. "Buying a cup" is obviously not possible in the salary cap era but you'll find that most cup winning teams are spending very close to if not at the cap ceiling. I suppose there are always some special deep playoff runs for cost conscious teams, but in terms of winning the cup you'll find it's the teams that spend amongst the most.

Money isn't the issue with Suter and Weber. Also, I believe Suter has probably been offered more than $6M per year. The prevailing belief is that they both want to play for a team that can win the Cup. Until Preds management can show they will do what's necessary to do that, they won't sign here.

The Preds can afford a big contract for Suter, Weber, and Rinne. What remains to be seen is how they would also afford the contract for a legitimate top tier forward on top of that.
- Whyme78

I see. Well if the organization needs to "prove" their winning intentions above and beyond what they currently have, then NSH will likely need to spend the remainder of that 14.4M they have in free cap space towards new, high-end talent. I'd imagine this would difficult if not impossible to do prior to the deadline, more likely in the off-season. Do you know if Poile has the green light to spend what he likes?

wrong spot

*pulls out the soap box*

As for the ASG draft last night, I really wish that security would have tossed those individuals out last night. The fact that they let it continue throughout the proceedings is almost as bad as the "mouth-breathers" that were yelling the whole time IMO. Disgraceful.

To the individual that made the Belak comment in the crowd, you are using up way to much of the world's oxygen. Better yet, here is .37$ and a hammer, go buy yourself a bullet and play til your hearts content. (That is the politest way i can put it, sorry)

*smacks the "individuals" from last nights event in the head with the soap box*

I see. Well if the organization needs to "prove" their winning intentions above and beyond what they currently have, then NSH will likely need to spend the remainder of that 14.4M they have in free cap space towards new, high-end talent. I'd imagine this would difficult if not impossible to do prior to the deadline, more likely in the off-season. Do you know if Poile has the green light to spend what he likes?
- AlexF

I dont think theyll have to spend all of the remaining cap money. But i think if they went after a legit top 6 forward it would def show Weber/Suter that they are willing to take a gamble. I would love for Web/Suter to stay in Nash. I def think Weber is gonna stay. Suter is more replaceable than Weber. But its def hard to replace either of them. A Dubinsky, JVR, Parise, Malone, type players would be nice in Nashville. Those just popped as i was writing this. But i think just attempting to get one solid top 6 guy would go along way. Def dont think they should spend all theyre cap to get two of them. Young guys like Wilson and Smith are gonna make theyre cases as def top 6 guys soon.

I dont think theyll have to spend all of the remaining cap money. But i think if they went after a legit top 6 forward it would def show Weber/Suter that they are willing to take a gamble. I would love for Web/Suter to stay in Nash. I def think Weber is gonna stay. Suter is more replaceable than Weber. But its def hard to replace either of them. A Dubinsky, JVR, Parise, Malone, type players would be nice in Nashville. Those just popped as i was writing this. But i think just attempting to get one solid top 6 guy would go along way. Def dont think they should spend all theyre cap to get two of them. Young guys like Wilson and Smith are gonna make theyre cases as def top 6 guys soon.
- poisondhearts37

If that's truly the reason that Weber and Suter are hesitant to sign then they don't really have a leg to stand on anymore unless this team just collapses in the 2nd half.

Young teams just don't play like the Preds are playing. The potential of this team going forward is really scary to ponder as they could be a potentially great team for years.

D

Ok, I'm going to turn into a spelling Nazi because I'm seeing this happen WAY too often right now.

resign
verb (used without object)
1. to give up an office or position, often formally (often followed by from ): to resign from the presidency.
2. to submit; yield: to resign before the inevitable.
verb (used with object)
3. to give up (an office, position, etc.), often formally.
4. to relinquish (a right, claim, agreement, etc.).
5. to give or sign over, as to the control or care of another: She resigned her child to an adoption agency.
6. to submit (oneself, one's mind, etc.) without resistance.

Poile must resign himself to the fact that Suter will leave at the end of the season

re-sign
verb (used with object), verb (used without object)
1. to sign again.
2. to renew or extend a contract.

Poile was thrilled to announce that he was able to re-sign Suter to a new contract.


It's just a simple little dash, but it makes a big difference in the meaning of the word. Those of you who don't like being corrected, sorry. Think of it as a life lesson.
- Predaceous

you are my hero

If that's truly the reason that Weber and Suter are hesitant to sign then they don't really have a leg to stand on anymore unless this team just collapses in the 2nd half.

Young teams just don't play like the Preds are playing. The potential of this team going forward is really scary to ponder as they could be a potentially great team for years.

D
- Predaceous

I think the potential of this team is great to. And id rather have Balanced scoring and a really good defense ontop of a great goalie. Hawks won the cup with balanced scoring and playing good defense. They had a bunch of 20goal scorers and like one 30goal guy. But it would be hard to argue that getting one top 6 forward wouldnt go long ways with this team. Maybe even if it was more a rental like whitney in PHX. That guy brings in. Or maybe a prospal in CBJ. Hes quietly having a good season on the worse team in the league. Ruutu would fit into Nashvilles style, though he isnt much of a rental. But he is the type of guy Nashville. He doesnt make a ton of money and wont command a ton of money. Once playoffs come scoring gets harder. Alot of the guys on this might struggle.

I totally concur. I do think that signing Rinne was a great move for this organization, but what does it say to the casual fan if Suter leaves after saying that he wants to see a commitment to winning? This is where I put the onus on Suter.

In my eyes, this team is committed to winning. They've shown it with their play, with Rinne's contract and with, I believe, the contract they have sitting on the table for Suter and Weber. I don't believe that Suter and Weber can continue to play the 'commitment to winning' card now that we see how this team, the youngest team in the league, is playing. It will only get better, and if they commit to being the cornerstones of the franchise, that championship may be here sooner than any of us think.
- Predaceous

well said. i also believe the contract is there to be signed and i believe they aint gonna sign it. at least suter isnt. weber really isnt on the clock yet,but i have little hope for him as well. the one issue i have w/ ownership/poile is after the talk last year of spending more was put out we have done anything but. when our "biggest deal" for the offseason was bergfors they failed miserably there and i can at least understand the skepticism from batman and robin. however, going young ( at least to date) looks like its working so the strategy overall may well be a success. i disagree w/ paul re: fehr. i said uh oh as well. he isnt interested about balancing power. hes an ego that is "in it to win it" and doesnt give a crap about the game/league/future.

I think the potential of this team is great to. And id rather have Balanced scoring and a really good defense ontop of a great goalie. Hawks won the cup with balanced scoring and playing good defense. They had a bunch of 20goal scorers and like one 30goal guy. But it would be hard to argue that getting one top 6 forward wouldnt go long ways with this team. Maybe even if it was more a rental like whitney in PHX. That guy brings in. Or maybe a prospal in CBJ. Hes quietly having a good season on the worse team in the league. Ruutu would fit into Nashvilles style, though he isnt much of a rental. But he is the type of guy Nashville. He doesnt make a ton of money and wont command a ton of money. Once playoffs come scoring gets harder. Alot of the guys on this might struggle.
- poisondhearts37

they also had much more elite level talent, at least when you are referring to scoring

I dont think theyll have to spend all of the remaining cap money. But i think if they went after a legit top 6 forward it would def show Weber/Suter that they are willing to take a gamble. I would love for Web/Suter to stay in Nash. I def think Weber is gonna stay. Suter is more replaceable than Weber. But its def hard to replace either of them. A Dubinsky, JVR, Parise, Malone, type players would be nice in Nashville. Those just popped as i was writing this. But i think just attempting to get one solid top 6 guy would go along way. Def dont think they should spend all theyre cap to get two of them. Young guys like Wilson and Smith are gonna make theyre cases as def top 6 guys soon.
- poisondhearts37

The problem is these top 6 guys aren't just lying around waiting to be signed but in mid-season would likely require giving up a valuable piece in exchange. I realize you're just throwing out some examples so I'm not focusing specifically on those guys, but any top 6 that would make an impact would cause some pain to acquire.

Anyway, all this said from what's being said here it almost sounds like Weber and/or Suter are holding the team to ransom with a "show me the players" attitude before they put pen to paper. I wonder how accurate that is but it sort of stinks if it's true.