Paul McCann: Development camp starts...

- The Pittsburgh Penguins may have signaled a serious run at both Zach Parise and Ryan Suter with their clearing of cap apace.

- pmccann

Too bad the Preds haven't done the same. So far they've done absolutely nothing to shows Suter that this team is truly serious about building a winner going forward. Only minor signings. There have been ZERO rumors or talk about the Preds going after Parise, whom I think is a pretty critical acquisition if you want to retain Suter.

I also think Poile has been loyal to Suter to a fault. Suter must be blowing some serious smoke up Poile's rear because all indications, to people who aren't close to the situation, are that Suter is gone. Poile should have gotten something for him.

He's made the same mistake by holding onto both Hamhuis and Suter for very little return. What does he do with Weber?

The situation in Vancouver regarding Roberto Luongo is getting interesting. Damien Cox in today’s Toronto Star poses an interesting scenario… the Leafs dropping an offer on RFA Corey Schnieder with the intent to get Luongo… fascinating.

- pmcann

I can't see Burke putting in an offer sheet for anyone after the stink he raised over Penner's offer sheet. It would really make him look like an idiot, and he's starting to be on thin ice in Toronto as it is.

Good draft for the Preds. I was pleasantly surprised with their picks. I ran down a list of guys drafted at #37 all the way back to 1990. It's a very unimpressive list to say the least. The only pick of note over that entire period of time is Kevin Klein. Looks like the Preds may have made another solid pick at that position.

I think Vainonen is an absolute steal. The Preds lucked out on a lot of their picks, but I think this guy is going to be very solid.

Just curious how Preds fans feels about thier draft, specifically pick #89?

Watson is gonna be a great player for you guys. He has all the intangibles that a good player needs.

http://blogs.tennessean.c...06/25/update-on-hal-gill/

Just curious how Preds fans feels about thier draft, specifically pick #89?
- Bowkes

Supposed to be a Steve Sullivan type player, but not as big!!

Supposed to be a Steve Sullivan type player, but not as big!!
- Fangor

Just curious, he's my step cousin? (step moms nephew). The preds interviewed him a couple times this year, while he was in portland with the winterhawks.

Supposed to be a Steve Sullivan type player, but not as big!!
- Fangor

will if he has the guts and drive of #26..........

will if he has the guts and drive of #26..........
- im4preds

anyone have an interest in Bobby Ryan? I know he wants to go to Flyboys but QuackerHeads might not want to send him there just for spite. On the other hand, it gets him out of the conference.

http://blogs.tennessean.com/predators/2012/06/25/update-on-hal-gill/
- Gunner Staal

I hope the Preds are able to re-sign Gill and Gaustad. I hate how last-minute Poile is on these things. He shouldn't have been sitting around waiting for Suter to sign.

anyone have an interest in Bobby Ryan? I know he wants to go to Flyboys but QuackerHeads might not want to send him there just for spite. On the other hand, it gets him out of the conference.
- im4preds

Not for what they're going to want in return. He'll probably turn into a 19 goal scorer in Trotz's system anyway.

I hope the Preds are able to re-sign Gill and Gaustad. I hate how last-minute Poile is on these things. He shouldn't have been sitting around waiting for Suter to sign.
- Predaceous

I wish players, who have been with teams for so long and have been looked after during that time, would be up front about their intentions (ala Stuart, Staal). For guys who have so many fans in their city who want them to stay, have paid hard earned money to watch them play, I think its unfair to dangle their services at GMs (and one like Poile who everyone respects) and then ultimately walk. If Suter signs at 12:05 in the morning on the 1st, then shame on him. Hard to blame a GM for not dealing rights whn they feel they have a shot and maybe are even being told they are the leading horse. You trade the rights and its a slap in their face, you keep the rights and you risk the same in return.

Tough spot to be in so again, I wish players would be up front about their intentions.

correct me if I'm wrong, but Burke can't give Schnieder an offer sheet as Vancouver has already given him a qualifying offer

See ya Toots.

correct me if I'm wrong, but Burke can't give Schnieder an offer sheet as Vancouver has already given him a qualifying offer
- grumpyone

You pretty much have to be wrong. If he wasn't given a qualifying offer then he'd be UFA, not RFA. Until he signs an actual contract, he's able to receive qualifying offers.

With TooToo gone who will stir the pot now?

With TooToo gone who will stir the pot now?
- porterw1

Isn't that why we have Yip?

You guys are going to be very happy with Colton Sissons, he'll be your 3rd or 2nd line center/winger in 3-4 years and fits your Smashville, hard-nosed, two-way style to a tee. He's a lot like Kesler in how he plays and he's really good in the locker room. Might even help keep Weber with you guys seeing as there's the Kelowna Rockets connection and both being BC boys.

I hate Tootoo....................I hope the Canucks sign him.

I hate Tootoo....................I hope the Canucks sign him.
- vancity787

He'd be perfect there.
I dont want to see the Sens sign him at all. Nothing against the guy personally, but I hate that type of player. Makes no difference if I'm on his team, against him or just a fan of either side of the fence, I don't care for them.

I hate Tootoo....................I hope the Canucks sign him.
- vancity787

Or the Ducks, that SOB always killed them.

Or the Ducks, that SOB always killed them.
- duxcup07

He's going to want at least 3M a year. I'm curious to find out who wants to pay that for the type of player he is.

Who cares about Suter, I'm still waiting for us to resign McGrattan :p. I mean, if you like to have an enforcer on the roster for the obvious reasons, (which it seems like the Preds usually do), it might as well be the best in the game.

As for Tootoo, I don't mind him, but I certainly wouldn't want to overpay for him, so good luck to him wherever he goes.

UPDATE - According to Jordin Tootoo's agent, he will not be re-signed by the Predators and will hit the open market on Sunday. The curse of the player's show strikes again!
- pmccann

Tootoo turned down $2.5M per for 3 years. He clearly overvalues himself. I guess that's what the Preds get for standing by him through thick and thin.

Let's see if another team is willing to overpay for his services. I'd be surprised given his substance abuse history, lack of production down the stretch, and being benched for the playoffs. Then again, there's always #HowsonDeals

Tootoo turned down $2.5M per for 3 years. He clearly overvalues himself. I guess that's what the Preds get for standing by him through thick and thin.

Let's see if another team is willing to overpay for his services. I'd be surprised given his substance abuse history, lack of production down the stretch, and being benched for the playoffs. Then again, there's always #HowsonDeals
- Predaceous

How much of it is pride? I can see him taking less to play somewhere else just because of what happened last year.