Poile "Disappointed and surprised" in Suter leaving

David Poile spoke to the national media via conference call just minutes after finding out that the the Nashville Predators "were not going to be the team of choice" in the Ryan Suter contract negotiations.

Poile indicated that he was "disappointed and surprised" in Suter's choice of signing with the Minnesota Wild. He indicated that he had had "30 to 40 discussions with Ryan and his agent as to signing a long term deal and Ryan's importance the club."

Suter's primary indication was that the criteria that he was looking for was being a part of a "winning team." Poile pointed out that "no team in the league did more at the trading deadline" than the Predators.

Suter's camp indicated to Poile that "it was not about money," but for "family reasons." Poile said that was "not what we talked about all season long."

Going forward, Poile indicated that the focus would turn to Shea Weber and trying to sign him to a long term deal. "We want him (Weber) to be in Nashville for years to come."

Poile admitted that re-signing Weber will not be an easy task. "If Ryan had re-signed it would have been easier for Shea to commit." Poile's main sales pitch to Weber will be that "he is the captain of the team and they they want to build the team around him."

In addition to attempting to re-sign Weber, Poile will also be looking for a replacement for Suter via "a trade or free-agency." He indicated that he would be looking for "the right player with the right fit."

Even with the departure of Suter, the Predators have a bright future on the blue line with Weber, Kevin Klein, Hal Gill, Ryan Ellis, Roman Josi, and a host of prospects waiting in the wings for a shot at the NHL.

Thanks to Petw Weber for the audio of David Poile's conference call.

More Later...

Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass