I woke up bright and early this morning, and as I do every morning within a few minutes of waking up, I checked my favorite source for hockey news and updates, http://espn.go.com/nhl/. I was greeted with the headline 'No Deal For Suter'. Now, as a hockey fan and, more importantly, a Red Wings fan, this got the gears turning and the intrigue and possibilities that were apparent in the featured article got my mouth watering. Here's why.
Ryan Suter is the 'other' star defenceman in Nashville, slowly becoming an elite player in his own right, and moving out of the extra-large shadow of captain and All Star team mate Shea Weber.
To me, it seemed that Suter would want to remain in Nashville, given the fact that elite netminder Pekka Rinne signed an extension, and Weber possibly not far behind. Also given the fact that Nashville has been an example of consistency in that their coach and GM receive praise on a regular basis. I guess that's why it kind of took me back when Suter stated that 'he sees no benefit in signing a contract extension before the trade deadline.' Very interesting.
Now Nashville's possible dilemma could be Detroit's windfall.
The Wings haven't enjoyed this much cap space since the cap came into place. I know that Holland will be a buyer going forward to the trade deadline, and the Wings have always been defensive minded. So, Suter is a no-brainer. Weber is probably not an option, because we could sign Suter [$3.5 mil] and get another player for Weber's asking price [$8 mil or higher plus picks], setting us up for a deep playoff run, and in the process, becoming favorites to win the Cup. Milan Hejduk could be a cheap option [$2.6 mil], and could prove interesting considering the Avs-Wings rivalry. Jagr [$3.3 mil] could end up in Detroit after all. Or even Mikhail Grabovski [$2.9 mil], another Russian to play with Pav.
In any case, it will be nice to see Detroit in the mix this year, instead of the usual bargain-basement shopping that we usually are used to [although Holland usually turns those acquisitions into positives].
L8r,
J
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