Fair point, although I'd have to think previous contracts made before the CBA would get grandfathered in, kinda like how the MLB changed the rules after Papelbon was signed but it still cost the Phils compensation.
https://twitter.com/PredsNHL Nashville PredatorsVerified @PredsNHL Shea Weber will remain in #Smashville; Preds match 14-year offer sheet on team Captain -- click here for full details
That part of his article is pure speculation. If Poile has in fact gone on the record and stated that the Preds can't match a front-loaded deal then that's all I need to hear
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/48097-What-should-the-Predators-do-with-Shea-Weber.html "The second is to match the offer and put your budget completely out of whack. GM David Poile has gone on the record as saying there is no way the Predators can afford front-loaded contracts."
http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2011/08/28/nhl-leads-the-four-major-sports-in-championship-parity-over-the-last-12-seasons/ NHL leads sports in parity over the last 12 years. System is fine right now.