Nashville Predators Match Philadelphia Flyers Offer Sheet on Shea Weber
July 24, 2012
According to TSN's Bob McKenzie, the Nashville Predators have matched the offer sheet that the Philadelphia Flyers agreed to with superstar defenseman Shea Weber. The offer sheet was for 14 years and $110 million. If the Predators had let Weber go to the Flyers, they would have received an upward of four first round draft picks from Philly.
NSH matches PHI offer sheet on Weber. Not surprised. Would've been OK to give up Weber in trade but NSH couldn't lose him for draft picks.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 24, 2012
Losing Weber on an offer sheet might well have been the death knell of the franchise. As it is, losing Ryan Suter to UFA, they have work to do.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 24, 2012
The Predators now have a lot of work to do if they want to contend in the Western Conference, considering they now have placed an insane amount of money around Shea Weber. Goaltender Pekka Rinne is signed through the 2018-19 season, so a few of the pieces are in place.
Don't think this is the end of the story for Shea Weber though, chances are many teams are going to try and acquire him in a trade. There are many teams, like the Detroit Red Wings, that are arguably a stud defenseman away from winning the Stanley Cup.
The Philadelphia Flyers will more than likely continue to try and find a way to get Weber, as they have already shown they are more than willing to accommodate his contract. Keep in mind that Rick Nash just went to their division rivals in the New York Rangers and Philly might have to respond if they want to compete in a division that also consists of the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Stanley Cup runner-up in the New Jersey Devils.
What do you think? Should the Predators have matched the offer sheet?