Source: Suter doesn't want to come to Philly

[Irishjim]

While there are a number of logical reasons why the Flyers would want to pursue Nashville defenseman Ryan Suter, who is headed for unrestricted free agency this summer, the question remains: is Suter interested in them?

Recall the Flyers had serious interest in Jay Bouwmeester several summer ago, but it wasn’t reciprocal. As such, they turned their attentions elsewhere by going after Chris Pronger.

According to a well-placed source, Suter has a potential list of clubs he would be willing to talk to even if his rights were traded before July 1. Suter is represented by Neil Sheehy.

Alas, the Flyers are not one of them.

In fact, the source said, all of Suter’s preferred destinations, should he leave the Predators, are in the Western Conference – not the East.

Detroit is generally conceded to be his top choice.

It’s no secret the Flyers have some work ahead of them in the coming weeks to solidify their defense, especially given it appears Pronger’s status as “out indefinitely” with post-concussion syndrome will continue into next season.

Nashville general manager David Poile, the source said, has thus far refused to talk with any clubs about moving Suter or even restricted free agent Shea Weber’s rights right now.

Still, it’s likely that Poile will have to make some kind of move at or before the NHL Draft next weekend rather than lose Suter to free agency.

What happens with this scenario could have a trickle-down effect on what the Flyers do in terms of re-signing Matt Carle, whose salary cap hit is expected to jump from $3.43 million to close to $5 million. The Flyers are hoping to re-sign Carle under the $5 million mark.

While a number of NHL clubs have their sights set on New Jersey forward Zach Parise, the winger said on Wednesday he was hoping to re-sign with the Devils.

Parise is unquestionably the top, UFA forward potentially available this summer.

E-mail Tim Panaccio at tpanotch@comcast.net

[flyercanuck]

Suter isn't what Philly needs. And we'd have to overpay him as a UFA. No thanks.

[radoran]

I think Suter is going to Detroit.

[The Quigster]

I don't know how badly Grossmann is injured,but it seems for the money he a good choice.A couple more like him would be great. There are a few NHL ready "D" men available in the first and second rounds of the draft,not super stars,but big, brawny,solid guys. Homer could get lucky.

[Flyingswede]

Suter isn't what Philly needs. And we'd have to overpay him as a UFA. No thanks.

Totally agree! Im sick of overpaid UFA signing.

[RonJeremy]

Maybe our best moves are to sign two dman for the price it would have cost for Suter.We get that kid from FLA who put up big points and then you get a defensive guy like Jackman. That way we cover two areas needed to help our defense. Our defense has been banged up almost every year,Timo and Mez are coming off back surgery, you can never have to many dman.