"The Predators displayed little worry Monday about defenseman Ryan Suter's comments during NHL All-Star weekend.
Speaking at Friday's media session in Ottawa, Suter said he did not think he would sign a contract extension with the Predators before the Feb. 27 trade deadline. If the Predators and Suter don't come to terms before July 1, one of Nashville's three best players would be an unrestricted free agent.
The statement caused a hockey-media firestorm, prompting Suter to explain his choice of words a day later.
"We deal with it day by day and do not worry about it. We're worried about winning this year," Coach Barry Trotz said. "From our standpoint, and probably his standpoint, it's a non-issue until July 1.""
