Nashville Predators GM for a Day: What to Do with Ryan Suter, Shea Weber?

As the offseason awaits, Nashville Predators GM David Poile faces the daunting task of re-signing two of the best defenders in the league.

Shea Weber and Ryan Suter have taken both Nashville and the NHL by storm in the past few seasons, and this year is no diferent. Both players are heading to the All-Star game and are two of the most prized upcoming free agents on the market.

Prior to the season, Preds chairman Tom Ciggaran said that the money is there, and his team has every intent to re-sign the two. But it won't be easy to fork over the money, as Nashville boasts the lowest payroll in the league.

The Predators are arguably playing some of their best hockey ever and are hitting their stride, as they've won 12 out of their last 14 games and are now three points out of the NHL lead. Hopes are high in Smashville that their newfound offense and stellar defense, backed by Pekka Rinne, can lead them to a Stanley Cup. 

So, one question is begging to be asked: What do you do with Suter and Weber if you're Nashville?

1) Lock Down Ryan Suter Long-Term with a Five-Year Deal

The Predators have proven over the last few years that Suter is of huge importance to Nashville's success, as the team is now 4-7-1 in the last two seasons without the American star blue-liner playing.

Also, this team is starting to find their groove on offense and is showing that they have Stanley Cup potential.

If Nashville lets Suter go, it could adversely affect Weber's production and effectiveness offensively, especially on the power play.

Throughout the franchise's history, they've shown that they are able to find scoring from a wide array of players past their top six forwards. With this unique ability, it makes it easier to be able to spend so much of their payroll on their defenders and goalie, especially when they're all such special talents.

Suter's current deal is at $3.5 million per year, and he's due a hefty raise. Both sides have been working on a deal for some time. I would give Suter a five-year, $32.5 million deal, which gives him $6.5 million each year.  

2) Re-sign Shea Weber to a One-Year Deal, or Go to Arbitration if Necessary

No matter how much the Predators say that money won't be a problem, it always will be.

With that said, locking down Weber for another year without crippling the franchise by adding another huge, long-term deal would give Nashville the best chance for success not only next year, but for the years to come.

In 2011-12, a playoff berth was expected to be a successful season for Nashville, especially after losing so much scoring last offseason. However, many young prospects have gelled quite well in Music City, and the Predators are beating the NHL's best week in and week out. 

This is a very talented and poised team, with plenty of leadership and fight-back ability. But they'd lose their most important player in both those categories if they let Weber walk.

Keeping him around for next season also gives them the opportunity to trade and get some big-time talent if things aren't working out the way they're planned.

Astonishingly enough, Weber is outperforming the one-year, $7.5 million deal he was awarded in arbitration last year. If he keeps it up, he's due a minimal raise at the very least.

I expect the Predators to struggle with a deal, but accept arbitration and be excited about their chances of hoisting a Cup in 2012-13.