Nashville, TN

The Nashville Predators will not let another prized player get away after losing Ryan Suter to free agency.

The Predators have decided to match the Philadelphia Flyers' 14-year, $110 million offer sheet to captain and top defenseman Shea Weber.

"With Shea Weber in the fold for the next 14 years, we are closer to this mission, and will continue to contend for the Stanley Cup on an annual basis," the Predators said in a statement after giving Weber the largest deal in Predators history.

The contract will give Weber $80 million over the first six seasons, including $68 million in signing bonuses and an immediate $13 million payout.

The contract is the second-largest in NHL history behind the 13-year, $124 million deal given to Washington Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin.

Before matching the deal, the Predators considered several issues regarding Weber and the offer sheet that he signed with the Flyers.

Nashville considered Weber is the key ingredient for making a Stanley Cup every year in locking him up/

When they answered in the affirmative, the Predators then decided to match the Flyers' offer sheet.

"In tendering an offer sheet to Shea Weber, we were trying to add a top defenseman entering the prime of his career," Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said in a statement. "With Nashville matching our offer, we wish Shea and the Predators all the best."

Weber has been runner-up for the Norris Trophy as top defenseman the past two seasons. This past season, he tied for the league lead among defensemen with 19 goals. He also had 30 assists and a plus-21 rating.

The Predators earlier signed goalie Pekka Rinne to seven-year, $49 million extension but lost Suter, who transferred to the Minnesota Wild for $98 million over 13 years.

Copyright © 2012 AHN - All Rights Reserved