Well, I'm not going to take any credit (because truthfully it had nothing to do with me or my words) however I can only say I am very impressed with the moves made in the front office of the Nashville Predators today.
In case you haven't heard just yet, it was announced earlier today that Jeff Cogen, formerly of the Dallas Stars organization as their President and alternate league governor, has become a key member of the Nashville Predators in the form of CEO. Along with that, Sean Henry, who served as the Tampa Bay Lightning interim CEO and COO before that, is now the Preds President/COO.
Those two moves alone have added the hockey knowledge needed that I spoke about. Here you have two men that have worked extensively within the league and have no emotional attachment to the Predators operations as of yet. That is exactly what I meant when I said they needed accountability for the ownership group.
I feel as though my last post may have come across somewhat awkward because it was in written form. Mostly what I was trying to say is that it felt as though some positions were locked in despite improved performance or lack of performance. Now, the Predators Chairman and member of the ownership group Mr. Tom Cigarran has already shown in his brief time at the position that he is here to win. The moves today show me he is willing to remove and add whatever pieces necessary to get this franchise into the 2nd Round of the NHL playoffs, and beyond.
Very bold and exactly what I was calling for days ago. Had I waited any longer then the column would've been a moot point. It just goes to show that while we may not be privy to what is happening behind the scenes, things are happening.
With that said, here are some of the best responses in the comments section of the previous column. After the discussion died down, my opinion was changed a bit. It turned from an advisory board, to just one solid hockey person with no attachments to the way Nashville has operated. Today, I can say I no longer have to dwell on that point as the Preds seem to have added just that.
Thanks to those that contributed to the comments and I look forward to more discussions in this slow rolling month of August.
***
pwnicholson wrote, "They pretty much already do that. They have several sets of meetings with all the major sponsors every year, not just one. They also have multiple meetings with fan councils and season ticket holder groups. Not just full STH's either, partials are included since they are such a large percentage of the base. I have personally participated in more than a few of these. They are great, involve direct contact with executives in the organization, and are very well run.
All of those meetings are used to provide input, mostly on the off-ice matters, but on-ice product is absolutely discussed as well.
The only thing different that you're describing that I can't personally say is already happening the way you specify (and more) is having some sort of hockey adviser. I'd be very surprised given how they run the business if they don't occasionally consult with others. If they don't then you're right, they should."
*
Sabata wrote, "An advisory board may be fine for off ice issues but it would significantly hamper the GM's ability to provide on ice product.
A GM already has resources in place like a coaching staff and scouting system to seek input on trades, free agent signings and draft selections. Trying to expand to a larger group for input is simply going to complicate the process and no doubt ruffle the advisory boards feathers which in turn may cost a very good GM his job."
*
Predaceous wrote, "Agreed. Brandon does have a point that the autonomy our owners give to Poile is a double edged sword, but I think an advisory committee would end up tying Poile's hands like an unwanted bureaucracy. Better to let Poile run the show, and hopefully the owners start getting to a point where they hold the coaching staff accountable. It's obvious that if Trotz can't get us past the first round of the playoffs it's going to have to be a directive from ownership that forces a change because Poile will never pull the trigger on Trotz on his own.
D"
*
im4preds wrote, "I have sat on advisory boards and while it appears a good idea, the truth is they don't have any power and become disinterested when management doesn't appear to heed their desires. I am of the opinion that Tom Cig is going to put more pressure on Poile et al to go further than Freeman did. IMHO, Freeman was all about stabilizing the franchise and staying on budget with the on ice product being the first thing to suffer. I think solving the Boots deal clears the way for the ownership group to be a bit more aggressive than in past years. The biggest problem with Poile has been stated many times before and that is his ability to build a team to get to the playoffs but not one to go far."
*
PredfanDan wrote, "A move to help the owners make decisions is probably needed but I don't think it needs to be an advisory counsel as Brandon suggested. Instead I can see a consultant position being added to the hierarchy. The reason being is the owners of this team is a group of local businessmen, with the emphasis, good or bad, being in the word local. With that being said, none of the "local" owners are hockey people.They come from a wide range of businesses from health care to newspapers. What do they know about operating a hockey team? Granted, now that they have a few seasons under their belt they are a lot more knowledgeable than they used to be and there has been some degree of success, probably due to David Poile's expertise.
Right now there are only a few people in the front office with a hockey background and Mr. Poile wields a lot of power since he pretty much answers to himself. The way I see it, the owners give Poile a budget and gives him free rein over how to use it.
Perhaps a consultant for the owners would be a way for them to have a little check and balance in their system. I would prefer that over the idea of a counsel with a fan involved. Just my opinion though.
The idea of fan input is not overlooked by the current ownership. They have annual town hall type meetings with the fans and several ideas are brought up in these meetings.
And one more thing.....sign Hornqvist today."
****
Those are some well thought out responses I thought I'd pass along. Who knows… maybe ownership did read the column….. Well, not really, but I can dream can't I?
Till the next time, take care.
Questions, comments, and criticisms can be sent to [email protected] if you wish to contact me personally.
Join the Discussion:
»