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Ryan Suter saga likely to drag to July 1

Detroit Red Wings v Nashville Predators - Game Two

NASHVILLE, TN - APRIL 13: Todd Bertuzzi #44 of the Detroit Red Wings carries the puck in front of Sergei Kostitsyn #74 and Ryan Suter #20 of the Nashville Predators in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bridgestone Arena on April 13, 2012 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)

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Ryan Suter might not have a list of teams he’s asking to be traded to, but that doesn’t mean the Nashville Predators are on the verge of signing him.

Predators GM David Poile thinks the Suter saga will drag on to July 1, which is when he’s scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. At that point, Suter can sign with any team he wants, and there will probably be plenty of interested parties.

The Philadelphia Flyers and Detroit Red Wings are popular candidates for his services. Both are eager to upgrade their defensive corps and Detroit certainly has the cap space to make it work. Philadelphia’s cap situation isn’t nearly as good, but they’ve shown a willingness to be creative and bold.

Of course, the Nashville Predators still can’t be ruled out, but things aren’t looking good for them. They’ve had plenty of time to make something work and if they aren’t able to lock him up before July 1, then it’s hard to see Suter choosing them over his alternates.