Photo: @bridgetds/Flickr

The Nashville Predators have matched the $110 million, 14-year offer sheet Shea Weber signed with the Flyers last week.

For the past six days there has been nothing but speculation as to where Weber would land. Would the Predators make the biggest move in franchise history or would Ed Snider’s big bucks be too much for them to handle?

The Predators proved that they are committed to winning and keeping their fan base by retaining their captain after already losing their star defenseman in Ryan Suter this offseason.

While it is a good day to be a Predators fan, the Flyers lose out on yet another big name this summer.

Before the Flyers submitted the offer sheet, Preds general manager David Poile wanted to trade with the Flyers but wanted the likes of Brayden Schenn and Sean Couturier. Paul Holmgren knew a trade wouldn’t happen and didn’t want to wait any longer.

The Flyers already lost defenseman Matt Carle via free agency but they also added two pieces to their blueline: Luke Schenn and Bruno Gervais. Holmgren expressed his confidence in his defense as it stands but by the Flyers offering Weber that huge contract, you would have to think they are having some second guesses.

Now, the Flyers have to resort to Plan B or Plan F, G.

Free agent Shane Doan visited with the organization this week as he waits to see if the situation in Phoenix is resolved. Jake Voracek, a huge piece of the Jeff Carter trade, still isn’t signed and Bobby Ryan is still unhappy in Anaheim.

Let’s see what other tricks Paul Holmgren has up his sleeve.