The Predators Don’t Deserve to be in Nashville
What does Dave Pelton see that other don’t? A Nashville businessman, Pelton believes the Nashville Predators deserve to be in Nashville. I guess this view must be based more on civic pride than the fact the team barely draws 14,000 fans a game and it has little corporate support. Meanwhile, Predators owner Craig Leipold suggests he has lost a staggering $70-million since he bought the franchise 10 years ago, including $15-million last year.
Nevertheless, Pelton argues that “the Predators are an important part of our city. In addition to the great atmosphere at the games, our hockey team also provides a boost to the restaurants and other businesses that surround the arena. I have been to quite a few games, and I always have an amazing time! We should work to keep the Predators right here in Nashville.”
Dave, I hate to bust your balloon but the Predators staying in Nashville ain’t going to happen. Leipold has already suggested NHL hockey doesn’t work economically in Nashville so whether it’s Jim Balsillie or some other owner, or Leopold moving the team to a new location, the Predators are leaving town. It’s a matter of when, not if.
One of the more fascinating suggestions being thrown around these days is Leipold will gut the team over the off-season to reduce his losses. This means making no effort to sign unrestricted free agents such as Paul Kariya, who made $4.5-million last year; Peter Forsberg ($5.75-million); Kimmo Timonen ($2.28-million) and Scott Hartnell ($1.75-million). If Leipold declines to re-sign the Predators’ free-agents and the team’s performance goes south, do you think Nashville fans will continue to support the team? You have to remember this is a market that was unwilling or unable to support one of the best teams in the NHL last year.
For more views, check out Gorilla Couch, who believes the only standing in the way of Balsillie moving the team to Hamilton is the NHL’s board of governors approving his $238-million purchase of the team.
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