Healthy Sullivan is most dangerous Pred: Season Preview
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It is difficult to imagine that the Nashville Predators, who did not qualify for the post-season last year, will return to the playoffs after not making any major changes this summer.
The Predators have plenty of room under the salary cap, with more than $15 million to spend. But with a shaky management group, don’t expect that to drastically change. The club’s only addition this summer was Marcel Goc.
Steve Sullivan, missing action since April 2007 due to a severe back injury, returned last January, appearing in 41 games and tallying 32 points. Awarded the Bill Masterton Trophy for his perseverance, Sullivan signed a two-year contract extension with the Predators. Sullivan will mesh on the top line with Jason Arnott and J-P Dumont.
Martin Erat and David Legwand provide secondary scoring, while 2008 first rounder Colin Wilson will make the jump to the NHL, though coach Barry Trotz will be tasked with squeezing his lineup for offense. The Predators possess one of the league’s most agitating energy lines, flanked by Jordin Tootoo and Wade Belak, with pivot Jerrod Smithson.
The Predators defensive core is solid with Shea Weber, Ryan Suter and Dan Hamhuis, but depth is desired. Young blue liners Cody Franson and Alexander Sultzer will join the big club.
In goal, Pekka Rinne, 26, an unrestricted free agent next summer, will need to prove that last season was not an aberration.
How else to explain the team's internal cap, which is barely the cap floor?
Intellegent budgeting? Understanding that you got a limited resource, cash, and you have to spend it wisely? That's not shaky management. That's FANTASTIC management. Imagine if this team were to make hay in the playoffs with a limited financial budget. What does that say about the shaky management of the 29 other teams?
Last edited by BigFatCat999: 09-08-2009 at 02:18 PM.
I assume he means shaky ownership group, rather than management. If so, instead of shaky, I think it would be better described as "small-pocketed ownership group". If that is the point, it's accurate.
So, really, other than the use of the word "shaky" and the word "management" the phrase "shaky management" is pretty spot-on.
I assume he means shaky ownership group, rather than management. If so, instead of shaky, I think it would be better described as "small-pocketed ownership group". If that is the point, it's accurate.
So, really, other than the use of the word "shaky" and the word "management" the phrase "shaky management" is pretty spot-on.
True, ownership would be the better word. I have no issues with David Poile and the hockey management of the team.
You mean the extension we won't give him because we can't afford it?
Well, it maybe a matter of choice if one of the kids show they can be the "Next big thing". Imagine if Chet Pickard shows he can be just as good as Pekka Rinne, how big barganing chip does he become?
How else to explain the team's internal cap, which is barely the cap floor?
Edit: Decided to take out my minor slam. Everyone's entitled to their opinion.
I disagree with the shaky line. I believe our ownership's actions and words show them to be fairly well organized and solid and reasonably intelligent. They plan to break even on the team expenses rather than lose money. Hence, our level of spending. Our income is naturally going to be lower then many other markets, which makes our spending lower. That is totally in keeping with the intent of the revenue sharing approach of the league. We could survive without it, just our payroll would be a bit lower.
I, for one, am pleased with the approach. The owners also are marketing more intelligently, I believe, than the previous owner who temporarily had deeper pockets. So that makes a long future in Nashville more probable than not, and reasonable chances to have quality teams in most years.
Depends on if we get poached by an offer sheet. (Does age/years affect those?) That could drive the price well out of range. If such a thing is possible I wouldn't at all mind getting draft picks and moving up one of our good prospects.
But I think we'll sign him. I was hoping to hear a lot more about one being in the works. If Poile waits too long he may overpay.
Depends on if we get poached by an offer sheet. (Does age/years affect those?) That could drive the price well out of range. If such a thing is possible I wouldn't at all mind getting draft picks and moving up one of our good prospects.
But I think we'll sign him. I was hoping to hear a lot more about one being in the works. If Poile waits too long he may overpay.
Rinne is a UFA at season's end, therefore there would be no compensation if he hits the open market on July 1st, 2010 and decides to sign elsewhere.
Rumor had it at the start of the summer that beyond re-signing Sullivan and addressing early free agency business, that Poile's main objective this summer was to begin negotiations with Rinne on an extension. Haven't heard any updates on progress though, but know that they know that the best deal will be one that is completed sooner, rather than later...
Rinne is a UFA at season's end, therefore there would be no compensation if he hits the open market on July 1st, 2010 and decides to sign elsewhere.
Darn, I should have known that. Thanks. I just kept thinking "young guy equals RFA". He's not so young, 27 this fall, and we've had him awhile. Doh! I even bookmarked the salary cap site a few days ago to check up on our guys status.
That makes a contract even more urgent. And more difficult I think.
I hope every game we have sewn up, or are blown out, he lets some cheapies through to keep the save percentage down... heh.
With my Oilers having very little shot at the playoffs, I am rooting for you guys to get in. I love the style and the players + management and basically make-up for your team. I hope you guys get in. Here's on Edmontonian rooting for you guys.
Well, it maybe a matter of choice if one of the kids show they can be the "Next big thing". Imagine if Chet Pickard shows he can be just as good as Pekka Rinne, how big barganing chip does he become?
I was being both sarcastic and a cynic.
I fully expect to see Rinne extended by Christmas... I would be absolutely flabbergasted if we let him walk.
I would kind of prefer we see how the first half of the year shakes out before committing big bucks\years to Rinne...lest we forget getting burned by doing the same for Mason and Ellis...
I would kind of prefer we see how the first half of the year shakes out before committing big bucks\years to Rinne...lest we forget getting burned by doing the same for Mason and Ellis...
