The Black Stallion books. Then my sister started bringing me history books from college when I was 11. Horses and history, a winning combination.
- bodiva88

The bios of Roger Staubach, Lew Alcindor, Maurice Richard and Henry Aaron.

I was very diverse ...

I think they are serious about winning, but the players that need to sign there want to be cup contenders, not just a decent team, and management there has not proven yet that they are serious about being cup contenders.
- feelingkettle

I think Nashville management has taken the right step by signing Rinne to a contract. Nashville may only be willing to sign one of the two (Weber or Suter) to a long term contract and if im deciding, ill take Weber 10 out of 10 xs. Nashville should save the money on Suter and add a forward who is legit that can help the offense.

But you did "just say" something.

"Why do you think everyone is so sure he'll be traded?" Is exactly what you said. Many people have also given a great amount of detail on why they think the Preds will try to keep him, or why it would make sense to wait another year.
- jak521

Why waste time debating something that hasn't happened yet? The longer Nashville waits, the more leverage a player like Weber is going to have. The more Money Weber commands, the less spending Nashville will be able to do.

Yes. Prior to his arbitration, Dreger reported they offered him a huge deal.

I can't remember if it wasn't long enough, or wasn't enough money. I think Weber was looking for like an 11 year deal, and Nashville was offering like 7. Dont quote me on that though.
- mochoson

I would have to see the report on that. If true I would have to see the years and salary before deciding on whether the offer was legit.

I would have to see the report on that. If true I would have to see the years and salary before deciding on whether the offer was legit.
- stveshdy

It was pretty legit. The cap hit was over 7 mill.

Comparing our ability to fill holes to Nashvilles is foolish. David Poile hasn't had anywhere close to the budget any Flyers GM has had during his entire tenure to spend on players.

Nashville doesn't operate the same way our team does. Find out who's worth the money, and spend it. The rest of the holes get filled with drafted players ready to make the jump, and cheap FA signings/trades.

Again, its why guys like Poile and Trotz have been there since Nashville was given a team. Theres a reason this team remains so competitive year in and year out. Its because from top to bottom, the organization excels in every area of operation.
- mochoson

They still aren't getting results in the playoffs. They've also had the talent and allowed the talent to get away, whether it was willingly or unwillingly. Weber might be able to replace Timonen but who replaced Hartnell?

It was pretty legit. The cap hit was over 7 mill.
- mochoson

Need to see the report with the acutally offer. Without a source behind it makes me question it.

There has to be an article of something supporting this offer.

Why waste time debating something that hasn't happened yet? The longer Nashville waits, the more leverage a player like Weber is going to have. The more Money Weber commands, the less spending Nashville will be able to do.
- Schenn2shine

Flyers and Nashville are 2 different markets. Nashville had to build up a fan base, and couldn't afford to just spend the way the Flyers could. It's not fair to compair them. A better comparison would be Minnesota or Columbus.... In which case i think Nashville has done a far superior job.
- RooNosHockey

Nashville has plenty of time and plenty of talent, along with character players to build a fan base.

- tangent_man

I know that's a stupid question but the debate all together is stupid.

For weeks people have been talking up a Shea Weber trade to Philadelphia. Suddenly I bring it up this afternoon and a handful of people go "Whoa, wait a second here, what makes you think we're going to get Shea Weber?" as if it's a brand new topic.

Why waste time debating something that hasn't happened yet? The longer Nashville waits, the more leverage a player like Weber is going to have. The more Money Weber commands, the less spending Nashville will be able to do.
- Schenn2shine

This is hockeybuzz sir.

While it's true that we don't have much information on how negotiations are progressing, Willes' sentiments are weak and contrived. Shea Weber is probably the best player in the short history of the team, Peter Forsberg's tenure excepted. Weber is the team captain, and has stated more than once that he's happy in Nashville.

Most of all, though, he's a Nashville Predator, and why Shea Weber would have such a desire to exit a team that is one of the most stable and successful organizations since the lockout, and one where he is the undisputed lead dog is far beyond me. Heck, I'll let him tell you.

"I'm not going anywhere." - Shea Weber, December 16, 2010.

http://www.ontheforecheck...ber-contract-negotiations

This is the entire article.

- tangent_man

EDIT:

EDIT:

- Flyskippy

Is that Act II popcorn?

They still aren't getting results in the playoffs. They've also had the talent and allowed the talent to get away, whether it was willingly or unwillingly.
- Schenn2shine

That doesn't even make any sense. The team has to operate on a budget. The team remains competitive because they put so much emphasis on goaltending and defense. Its the organization's strengths. Its how Trotz likes to coach. Its the organizations identity.

I dont know what talent your talking about that has "got away". If they resign Hamhuis, then theres no way they can resign Pekka Rinne this year. Forget Suter or Weber.

The organization can't do anything about Radulov jumping ship. If he's still here, this team rivals Detroit, Vancouver, and Chicago with one of the best line-ups year in and year out.

I also don't know what you mean in regards to "no success in the playoffs". The team making the playoffs in general with the money they spend in itself is a huge success. Last year, they finally made it to the second round.

This year, there fourth overall in the league in points. 9 players with 10 goals or more. Vezina quality goalie in net. Depending on what Poile can pull off at the deadline, this team could run away with the West.

I dont see how someone can discount this team when they are in a division with the Blues, Red Wings, and Blackhawks, all while operating on a very strict budget.

I know that's a stupid question but the debate all together is stupid.

For weeks people have been talking up a Shea Weber trade to Philadelphia. Suddenly I bring it up this afternoon and a handful of people go "Whoa, wait a second here, what makes you think we're going to get Shea Weber?" as if it's a brand new topic.
- Schenn2shine

The funny part wasn't the question itself, but that you've been trying to get people to see your point of view on the whole thing for two hours, and now it's 'wasting time'.

Need to see the report with the acutally offer. Without a source behind it makes me question it.

There has to be an article of something supporting this offer.
- stveshdy

It'd be on TSN. If I have a sec I'll see if I can find it and message it to you.

The funny part wasn't the question itself, but that you've been trying to get people to see your point of view on the whole thing for two hours, and now it's 'wasting time'.
- tangent_man

What was my point? My point was Shea Weber could be traded and others points were that he could re-sign. Both are a given.

EDIT

In my opinion it isn't a matter of money. It's a matter of whether or not Nashville is worth committing to.

That doesn't even make any sense. The team has to operate on a budget. The team remains competitive because they put so much emphasis on goaltending and defense. Its the organization's strengths. Its how Trotz likes to coach. Its the organizations identity.

I dont know what talent your talking about that has "got away". If they resign Hamhuis, then theres no way they can resign Pekka Rinne this year. Forget Suter or Weber.

The organization can't do anything about Radulov jumping ship. If he's still here, this team rivals Detroit, Vancouver, and Chicago with one of the best line-ups year in and year out.

I also don't know what you mean in regards to "no success in the playoffs". The team making the playoffs in general with the money they spend in itself is a huge success. Last year, they finally made it to the second round.

This year, there fourth overall in the league in points. 9 players with 10 goals or more. Vezina quality goalie in net. Depending on what Poile can pull off at the deadline, this team could run away with the West.

I dont see how someone can discount this team when they are in a division with the Blues, Red Wings, and Blackhawks, all while operating on a very strict budget.
- mochoson

Well said. A+

The funny part wasn't the question itself, but that you've been trying to get people to see your point of view on the whole thing for two hours, and now it's 'wasting time'.
- tangent_man

I know that's a stupid question but the debate all together is stupid.

For weeks people have been talking up a Shea Weber trade to Philadelphia. Suddenly I bring it up this afternoon and a handful of people go "Whoa, wait a second here, what makes you think we're going to get Shea Weber?" as if it's a brand new topic.
- Schenn2shine

All I simply said was that I dont think Nashville would trade him. It doesnt make sense right now. You told me everyone else had him being traded.. I still have yet to see a single person who has him being traded. Every time you would attempt to make a point you would say something like.. "I dont know why this is so confusing" or something along those lines. Thats why this has been going on since noon.

Nashville has plenty of time and plenty of talent, along with character players to build a fan base.
- Schenn2shine

http://espn.go.com/nhl/attendance/_/sort/homePct

Nashvilles attendence has increased for the third year in a row. The fanbase is there, and its getting bigger.

It'd be on TSN. If I have a sec I'll see if I can find it and message it to you.
- mochoson

There is a feeling around the league that Weber’s contract discussions are going poorly, and you’d have to believe that’s true based on these developments. I don’t believe for a second Nashville’s contract offers are anywhere near $4.75 million. It sounds like the organization is offering above $7 million on a term anywhere between three and seven years. But, several people who know Weber say this is not about money.

It’s about winning. The Predators, in a lot of ways, are a model organization. They get the most out of their money with great coaching and development. But there is a limit. Nine of Weber’s similarly aged (or younger) teammates on the gold medal-winning Olympic team have a Stanley Cup ring. That’s not lost on him.

Even with last year’s historic playoff success, Nashville was 10 wins away from the ultimate victory.

Weber’s said several times he wants to stay and will get a deal done. But people who are much smarter than I am say this indicates otherwise. It’s almost like he’s putting them on notice: a “show me now” message.

Source: Prohockeytalk

I dont see how someone can discount this team when they are in a division with the Blues, Red Wings, and Blackhawks, all while operating on a very strict budget.
- mochoson

That really is a hell of a division, especially this year

There is a feeling around the league that Weber’s contract discussions are going poorly, and you’d have to believe that’s true based on these developments. I don’t believe for a second Nashville’s contract offers are anywhere near $4.75 million. It sounds like the organization is offering above $7 million on a term anywhere between three and seven years. But, several people who know Weber say this is not about money.

It’s about winning. The Predators, in a lot of ways, are a model organization. They get the most out of their money with great coaching and development. But there is a limit. Nine of Weber’s similarly aged (or younger) teammates on the gold medal-winning Olympic team have a Stanley Cup ring. That’s not lost on him.

Even with last year’s historic playoff success, Nashville was 10 wins away from the ultimate victory.

Weber’s said several times he wants to stay and will get a deal done. But people who are much smarter than I am say this indicates otherwise. It’s almost like he’s putting them on notice: a “show me now” message.
- stveshdy

That's it.