Independence Day is a time for celebrating the United States with BBQ and family. Nashville’s prized unrestricted free agent, Ryan Suter, made a statement of just how important family is when he announced that he had signed a 13-year deal with the M

innesota Wild on Wednesday. Suter said goodbye to the Predators after 9 years in the organization.

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Nashville’s General Manager David Poile sounded frustrated and hurt when he spoke to the media shortly after the announcement was officially made.

“It would be an understatement to say that the predators are disappointed at this time — not just disappointed, but very surprised,” he said.

Poile thought Suter would return to the Predators.

“I was looking at all my notes yesterday. Ryan said, when I had a meeting with him in November, he said I’m not going anymore, he is signing with the Nashville Predators. It’s a quote,” Poile said.

It is a familiar feeling for Predators fans to lose talent to the free market. In the past, Nashville let go of players like Scott Hartnell and Dan Hamhuis because the organization was unable to pay what other teams were willing to shell out for their services. But this year was different.

According to The Tennessean, Nashville had the money and offered Suter a 13-year, $90 million contract. He signed with the Wild for $98 million. Poile was told that Suter was leaving for family reasons.

“I can’t argue with that. The disappointing part is that that isn’t what we talked about all year long. I met Ryan’s criteria,” Poile said.

Suter talked about playing for a team that was competitive and could win the Stanley Cup. Poile went all-in to make sure that the Predators were in a position to do just that. (more…)