Poile has lost players like Suter to free agency, Vesey to to NY Rangers, and then Webber was offer-sheeted.
7 years ago, Brodie and Josi were both RFAs with a similar track records.
Brodie signed a 2 year deal, followed by a 5 year deal at 4.65 mill per.
Poile took a different approach and signed Josi to a 7 year deal for only 4 million per. Prior to this contract, Josi had only played 52 games. It ended up being one of the best contracts in NHL history. Certainly the best in the past 5 years. Josi will finally get the money he deserves after this season. But it's pretty obvious that he'll stay in Nashville.
I think these long contracts are a good alternative to having guys walk away as UFAs.
Nashville is an odd city. People either seem to walk away, or they love the city and stay there forever.
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