Predators begin contract talks

May 26, 2008   ·   Paul Raymond   ·   Jump to comments

With free agency starting on July 1st, the Nashville Predators are wasting no time trying to lock up their own. The team has a few key players that could hit the market this year, they include goalie Dan Ellis, and defenseman Shea Weber and Ryan Suter. The Tennessean reports that the team has begun talks with Ellis and Suter. With Ellis, being the early focus.

Ellis would be an unrestricted free agent come July 1st, so the best chance for the Predators to retain his services would be to sign him before then. Being unrestricted the team would have no chance at matching any offer he receives and signs. “The sooner we could get him signed, the better,” General Manager David Poile said. “If we don’t have Dan Ellis signed by July 1, I would think he’s going elsewhere.” The one thing that may have Ellis leave the team, is that they already have two goalies under contract.

The team can take a little bit of time with Suter and Weber, as both are restricted free agents. The team will have the opportunity to match any offer these two receive, but it would be best to lock the up before they find out what other teams would offer. Both are decent at scoring from the defensive position and very big contributors on the teams power play unit. Suter tallied 31 points last year, while Weber 20. Half of Weber’s came on the power play as he scored 5 goals and 5 assists with the advantage. Suter it was a littler better then a third of his, as he scored one power play goal, and assisted 10 times with the man up. Being as young and good as these two you’d expect the team to do their best to lock them up long term.

Here’s a link to the Tennessean, and more Predators notes. Photo courtesy of USA Today.com

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