What is it about summer time and drama with this franchise?
News broke late yesterday about a lawsuit being filed in Davidson County Chancery Court by Nashville Predators co-owner (and former Chairman) David Freeman against the other owners of the franchise for lack of information, disclosure and a failure to pay fees that Freeman claims are owed to him.
The Predators released a statement yesterday addressing the situation…
The Nashville Predators were disappointed to learn of David Freeman's meritless and inappropriate court filing in Davidson County Chancery Court. The club will use all appropriate means to vigorously defend its position. The club believes this issue should be resolved by the NHL as mandated by the NHL Constitution, to which all owners, including Freeman, are bound.
The franchise is healthier than ever and this frivolous suit has no impact or bearing on our organizational operations.
The organization does not plan to comment further on this matter at this time.
Man… I hate it when mom and dad fight.
That’s bad enough, but the editorializing in the daily newspaper’s reporting of the story is a bit much… No, Mr. Rau… this internal dispute doesn’t “call into question the stability of the Predators ownership group.” What it does is bring a dispute that is contractually bound to be arbitrated internally with the NHL into an inappropriate venue, if he thought that the NHL would be “biased” in these types of situation, why would he enter into that kind of agreement? I don’t see that editorializing in your story Mr. Rau… but I digress…
You gotta give David Freeman a bunch of credit for putting the group together to save this franchise in 2007… he had the vision when almost no one else did and helped set the team back on the right path. It also needs to be said that all of his moves weren’t exactly golden and his resignation as chairman after a federal tax lien came to light simply fed the narrative that the Preds were in trouble financially.
It also needs to be said that when Tom Cigarran took over as Chairman, the franchise as a business took flight. Cigarran made the right moves, bringing in the talent necessary to take the business operations of the franchise to another level… to a level where this franchise is now considered a model for other franchises to follow. That was directly due to his business savvy and depth of operational experience.
It’s really disappointing that this came to light after the recognition Shea Weber received in Vegas and the draft coming up tonight and I have to say… I am tired of the whole “agreements mean nothing unless they go my way” syndrome this world is heading toward. From something as small as the agreement you sign with your homeowners association, to something as large as this…
I’m sorry, it’s not “just business”… Whenever these types of things come out I always wonder… why is it all of a sudden OK to sign an agreement then not live up to the rules that you, yourself, agreed to?
It’s very disappointing… but par for the course lately. Mom and Dad fight, one party tries to use the kids as a weapon against the other and the rules get thrown out the window.
The good news here for Pred fans is that this lawsuit has no bearing on the day-to-day operations of the Predators. The NHL Entry Draft will go on tonight and the Predators will make their selection at 17, unless a trade happens… the Draft Party at Tavern 96 will go on… Saturday's Beer Fest will go on… development camp will go on and this summertime drama, like the summer replacement series that the TV networks drag out every year will pass… and by the time the puck drops, it will all be a distant memory.
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Here are a few names to keep an eye on that may or may not be available when the Predators select at 17 tonight…
- Julien Gauthier – RW - Prototypical power forward that really impressed at the combine. At 6’4 225, the kid has outstanding hockey IQ and has been compared to players like Rick Nash. His stock has been going up since the combine so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go earlier and not be available at 17.
- Jake Bean – D – Don’t be surprised to see the Preds dip into the WHL again for a prize defense prospect, if he is available. The member of the Calgary Hitmen has had an outstanding Junior career thus far… great point shot, good playmaker and can play both sides of the puck. Not huge at 6’ 173, but would be an excellent start to rebuilding the vaunted Preds defensive depth.
- Dante Fabbro – D - This one may be obvious, but Fabbro is a blueliner that should be on the Predators radar. The BC native lists the Preds as his favorite team, his sisters go to Austin Peay… those are not reasons to draft a defenseman… but add into the mix his skating, his offensive ability (he posted 67 points in 45 game last season) and his hockey IQ, then you’ve got the makings of a selection at 17. Fabbro is a Boston University commitment for next season.
- Mikhail Sergachev – D – This Russian born blueliner that is a member of the Windsor Spitfires led all OHL defensemen in goals last season. Excellent positionally, good size at 6’2” 208 and has solid international experience. He is the 8th ranked North American in the draft and I have seen some mock drafts have him going in the top 10, so he may not be available at 17… but could be if things fall right.
- Kieffer Bellows – LW – Hockey pedigree as the son of former NHL All-Star Brian Bellows. US NTDP alumni that is committed to Boston University next season. Had a great World Juniors last year posting eight points in seven games.
- Luke Kunin – Center – Just finished his freshman season at Wiuscosin, posting 32 points in 34 games with the Badgers. Solid size at 6’0 193 and was ranked 11th among North American skaters by Central Scouting.
My take? If both Gauthier and Fabbro are available at 17… you have a choice of filling two fo your needs… Size and offensive ability at center or begin the restock at D… you can’t go wrong with either choice.
Don’t forget to join Pete and I tomorrow morning for a special two hour draft day edition of SlapShot Radio on 102.5 the Game… guests include Craig Button, Shane Malloy, and Eklund with Pete reporting live from Buffalo, the site of the 2016 Draft. We'll get it going bright and early at 7am.
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Random Notes
- The Nashville Predators Beer Fest in this Saturday at Bridgestone Arena… a really good time that benefits the Nashville Predators Foundation. Also, the Preds are having a draft party tonight at Tavern 96.
- The rumors will be flying hot and heavy today as a busy trade day is expected in preparation for tonight’s round one of the NHL Entry Draft.
- Chicago is shopping Corey Crawford??? You had to know the big contracts they gave out would start to bite them…
- I have to admit… I am kinda stunned at all the PK Subban rumors out there… It makes no sense, but they are out there.
- Keith Yandle… Florida signs him for seven years with an AAV of $6.35 million… that’s a lot. Too much term and a lotta cash!
- The Steven Stamkos situation is unchanged as I write this… no one knows what’s going to happen.
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