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Predators GM speaks out about Rinne signing

Pekka Rinne

Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne, of Finland, blocks a shot against the Carolina Hurricanes in the first period of a preseason NHL hockey game on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

AP

The Nashville Predators certainly made waves this morning when they signed their franchise netminder Pekka Rinne to a seven-year deal for $49 million. Opinions have been flying all over the internet from, “he’s an elite netminder and this is what elite goaltenders get paid,” to “what was David Poile thinking?” Now we have some answers to the latter question.

“If you follow through now with what Shea gets in salary and what Pekka gets in salary, what Suter could logically expect in salary, you could see where our payroll is going,” the Preds GM told The Tennessean. “That’s why you hear me talk about the window of opportunity for our franchise. The window of opportunity is not just today, it’s as long as we sign these core players. That’s what I’m trying to hit home to them to get them to believe in.”

For those who are saying that the Predators can’t afford to re-sign all three free agent stars this offseason, it sounds like Poile is one step ahead. Most fans understand that the Preds don’t spend to the cap—but it’s also clear that a general manager has a better understanding of his team’s finances than a typical outsider. From that standpoint, it sounds like Poile and the Predators have a clear plan.

It’s not just for next season either. Not only do they want to lock up these three players, but they want to go out and find some scoring as well. “We have to find that other missing player,” Poile said. “Be it (Alex) Radulov coming back, or if we’re able to make another Mike Fisher trade sometime during the year or at the trading deadline. Our ownership and myself are committed to making that happen.”

People will continue to have their opinions, but those who are saying that Poile doesn’t have a plan should follow the Predators a little closer. Poile is one of the best GMs in the league and consistently puts a competitive team on the ice despite past budget constraints. Usually, the man knows what he’s doing.