If Balsillie were allowed to buy the Predators...

From the Globe & Mail:

If the National Hockey League had played its cards right, one of its most troubled franchises would soon have a new home in a stable hockey market, with stable ownership and a stable future. Instead, having outsmarted itself in blocking the move of a U.S.-based team to Canada, the league has an unholy mess.

Little more than a year ago, Canadian billionaire Jim Balsillie was set to buy the foundering Nashville Predators and move them to Hamilton. It was a marriage made in heaven. Mr. Balsillie, the co-CEO of Research In Motion, is a dynamic and deep-pocketed owner of a kind the NHL needs more of. And a team in Hamilton would have thrived; more than 12,000 fans quickly put down deposits for season tickets in expectation of the Predators' arrival.

Read the entire editorial here. (Hat tip to Puck Daddy)

I tend to agree with this editorial. If the NHL was not going to give Balsillie the option of moving the team, why did it essentially give that option to Del Biaggio? Would NHL hockey be more profitable in Kansas City than Hamilton? C'mon.

Radulov practices with KHL team

From Jessica Hopp of the Tennessean:

Predators forward Alexander Radulov participated in his new Russian team's training camp Friday even though his contract was suspended by the International Ice Hockey Federation.

Continental Hockey League President Alexander Medvedev said the international federation can't keep Radulov off the ice during domestic competition or camp.

The suspension applies to his new team Salavat Yulaev Ufa's games in the inaugural Champions Hockey League, a tournament to determine Europe's top club team that starts in October. It also would apply to the World Championships and the Olympics.

Read the entire story here.

The KHL is adamant that Radulov's contract was not in violation of their agreement with the NHL. So, expect Radulov to continue practicing until the issue gets resolved one way or another.

Steve Sullivan still hoping to return

From the Toronto Sun:

In January, Predators general manager David Poile said the hope was for his star winger to return for the '08-09 season. But Sullivan concedes that his back hasn't been responding as well to treatment as team officials would like.

"They haven't put a timeline on my return yet," he said. "But I am still planning a return. My goal is to get back on the ice as soon as possible."

Read more from the Sun here.

The Predators can't count on Sullivan to return next season. His back issues are obviously serious, and the injury doesn't seem to have improved over the past few months. If Sullivan does return, then its a huge bonus for a team that could be losing young goal-scorer Alexander Radulov to the KHL.

Bettman under the microscope

From Stephen Brunt of the Globe & Mail:

That "portability" became Del Biaggio's No. 1 marketing plank in trying to attract fresh money.

Unfortunately, the local Nashville ownership and the local politicians who were subsidizing the franchise didn't know a thing about that quiet arrangement.

And just a little bit of due diligence on Boots might have revealed that he was broke, that he may have been securing loans on false premises, that he was a very, very bad risk — before he wound up in bankruptcy protection, being sued from all angles, and under investigation by the FBI.

In any other walk of life, in any other business, bad judgment on that scale would get a chief executive fired.

Read the entire article here.

This story is turning into a disaster for the NHL. Clearly "Boots" should have been nowhere near an NHL franchise. I'm sure Bettman will release a statement in the next day or two containing an explanation for what exactly happened.

Report: Del Biaggio had special permission to avoid review

From Brad Schrade of the Tennessean:

A potential investor in the Nashville Predators says troubled financier William J. "Boots" Del Biaggio III told him the NHL allowed Del Biaggio to bypass some of the league's strict financial background checks for prospective owners.Doug Bergeron, a California-based Canadian investor and entrepreneur and president of DGB Investments, was among those to whom Del Biaggio tried to market a share of the Predators.

Bergeron said Del Biaggio told him in December that National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman's office had given special permission for Del Biaggio to buy a share of the team without being subjected to all the scrutiny the league usually gives to prospective owners. Del Biaggio told him the commissioner's office did not require him to show audited financial statements before it approved him.

Read the entire story here.

This article is worth the long read. Schrade has done a terrific job of breaking news on this story for the Tennessean.

These Boots Are Made For Walking....The Team Right Out of Nashville!

In a disturbing piece in this morning's Globe and Mail, Stephen Brunt sheds some much-needed light on the events in Nashville concerning recently ousted Predators owner William "Boots" Del Biaggio.

According to Brunt, "Boots" initially acquired his ownership stake in the Preds with the express intent to attempt to relocate the franchise to Kansas City. But wait....there's more.

Boots also apparently sought out co-investors with until-now confidential documents that advertized the "portability of the franchise". In other words, he basically said "Come join me in buying this team for the purpose of taking control of it, running it out of Nashville ,and relocating it to KC," which is as close as you can get to a hostile takeover in the context of a professional sports team.

Of course, while this was all going on, Boots was telling anyone willing to listen (including the NHL) that his true intentions were to save hockey in Nashville.

Illegal Curve Analysis

The issues raised by these events go far beyond the context of the Predators franchise (although that franchise can only be described as being in complete financial turmoil in light of these events). The broader concern goes to how well the NHL monitors the actions of its owners and prospective owners. A few red flags have definitely gone up now, and it is really the last thing the NHL could ever want --- more reasons to worry about the viability of franchises in markets that are already highly questionable as is.......

Predators want Radulov back

From John Glennon of the Tennessean:

Both Predators Coach Barry Trotz and team captain Jason Arnott say they want Radulov to return for the coming season, but they are aware some baggage might come with him.

"When you back out on your deal and you let your teammates and the whole organization down like that, it's hard to swallow — no question,'' Arnott said. "I can't sugarcoat it any better. It's disappointing.

"But if he does come back and play with us, hopefully he comes back with a good mind and be ready to play. If he does that, I think guys will forget about it. If he comes back with the attitude that it's his last year here and he doesn't really care, then it's going to be a long year. It's going to be tough.''

Read the entire article here.

This feels like a Sopranos episode where Tony wants to talk with someone that has really pissed him off. So, he plays all nice to get him to come to meet him and then lets him know how he really feels.

Del Biaggio was interested in moving the Predators

From Brad Schrade of the Tennessean:

The bleak future predicted for pro hockey in Nashville was part of a marketing effort by Del Biaggio's hockey-related firm, Forecheck Holdings, to gain more investors.

A computerized presentation, dated January 2008, featured charts and slides with titles such as "Portability Value" and "Investment Thesis." The document is labeled "strictly confidential" and targeted toward a "limited number of sophisticated prospective investors."

Freeman told The Tennessean last week that he was aware Del Biaggio had been trying to get additional investors into the hockey enterprise, but was not aware that Del Biaggio had told potential investors that they could gain control of the team and move it.

Read the entire article here.

Just when you thought Nashville couldn't dislike Del Biaggio even more, news like this comes out.

Medvedev says Radulov is free to sign with Continental Hockey League

From Jeff Klein of the NY Times:

KHL president Alexander Medvedev said yesterday that the “existing gentleman’s agreement” worked out between the NHL, KHL and IIHF in Zurich on Thursday “is not backed by documents,” allowing Alexander Radulov to leave his Nashville contract and go to Salavat Yulaev Ufa because no international agreement had yet been signed when Radulov made his move.

Mevedev said the agreement would be signed “in two or three days, probably Monday,” and that once it is signed, it will “not be retroactive.” Radulov’s move to Salavat is “a situation not subject to dispute,” said Medvedev, who represented the KHL at the Zurich meeting.

Read the entire entry from Slap Shot here.

Medvedev is obviously looking to pick a fight with the NHL. If the NHL and KHL had an agreement in place when it was first reported, then Radulov would not be able to make the switch for next season. However, Medvedev is claiming it was a "gentleman's agreement." So, more information is needed on what exactly was agreed to before anything can be substantiated.

Is Radulov actually heading to Russia?

From Jeff Klein of the NY Times:

Nashville forward Alexander Radulov has reportedly signed a three-year contract with Salavat Yulaev Ufa, the current Russian champions, according to a report in the Russian paper Sport-Express and first carried in English by the web site Fourth Period. Radulov, 22, reportedly has one year left on his contract with the Predators. Under the preliminary agreement reached last month and confirmed Thursday in Zurich between NHL and KHL officials not to poach players under contract, Radulov may have to stay in Nashville. No reaction yet from NHL, KHL, Predators or Salavat officials.]

Read more about the NHL/KHL "agreement" here.

Wow, this is getting quite interesting. First off, if Radulov does bolt for Russia, that is a huge loss for the Predators heading into next season. The ultra-talented forward was certainly expected to exceed the 30 goal mark this upcoming season. However, by the sounds of it, Radulov may be blocked from heading back home. I guess that really depends on when he agreed to a contract with a KHL squad. If he agreed to a contract prior to the NHL/KHL pact, then he may be free to go. On the other hand, if he didn't sign with the team until after the pact, then he will probably be suiting up for the Predators come the fall. Regardless, this story will surely get more intense over the hours and days ahead.

Update: Word is official from TSN.

Alexander Radulov has made the jump back home, as the young forward signed with Ufa of the Russian Superleague on Thursday. The financial details of the contract were not disclosed.Radulov, who is still under contract with the Nashville Predators, said he had warned the team that he wanted to play in Russia.

Here is the link.

Huge loss for the Predators. The team has signed almost all of its young core players to long-term pacts, so they will still be a good young team for many years, but the loss of Radulov leaves a 30 goal hole in their line-up. Never mind the fact that he was under contract for one more year and wasn't even a free agent.

This isn't the last we've heard of this story.

Steve Sullivan still trying to comeback

From John Glennon of the Tennessean:

Still, there is no specific date set for his return to the Predators lineup. Training camp … November … next year … all were thrown out as possibilities for Sullivan, who is under contract with the Predators until the end of next season.

Sullivan knows that his status — particularly the $3.2 million salary allocated for a forward who is not producing — is burdensome for the Predators, but he said General Manager David Poile has been supportive.

Read the entire article here.

By the sounds of it, I don't think the Predators have any expectation of Sullivan returning this season. If he does, that would just be a huge bonus for the team.

Nashville signs Josh Gratton

From John Glennon of the Tennessean:

The Nashville Predators signed free agent forward Josh Gratton, effectively ending their hunt for an enforcer on Wednesday.

With 237 penalty minutes in 67 NHL games, the 6-foot-2, 214-pound Gratton is known as a tough guy. Though he lacks a high-profile reputation he could fill a hole left by the trade of Darcy Hordichuk. Gratton signed a one-year, two-way contract.

"We let Darcy go and talking to our coaches we really felt like it was important to get this element," Predators General Manager David Poile said.

Read the entire article here.

The Predators are happy to have an enforcer on their roster, but I'm not really sure this move will make any kind of difference.

Laraque turns down Predators

From John Glennon of the Tennessean:

Predators General Manager David Poile said on Wednesday the team made an offer to Georges Laraque, but that the player's agent, Steve Kotlowitz, told Nashville that Laraque was looking to sign elsewhere.

"We certainly talked to him, but his agent seems to feel he'd be a better fit somewhere else,'' Poile said.

Read the entire article here.

The Predators are looking to add some toughness to their 4th line and had their eye on Laraque once free agency began. Now that he has turned them down, they will continue looking for alternative tough guys. I'm sure they won't have trouble finding one.

Nashville not planning on being active in free agency

From John Glennon of the Tennessean:

In any case, it's unlikely the Predators will be big spenders when free agency begins July 1. They probably won't have the money.

"I don't think there's too much left,'' Poile said. "We've had a lot of salary increases, big increases. The main focus from December until today has been to stabilize and keep the nucleus and foundation of the team.

"For the most part, we've accomplished that. But there's a dollar figure you need to put to that.''

Read the entire article here.

The Predators have spent their money in-house re-signing their own young free agents. They now have a lot of their younger players under contract through at least 2010-2011 and David Poile should be commended for putting a core together that should be able to compete at a high level for the foreseeable future.

Weber deal official

From TSN:

Defenceman Shea Weber has signed a three-year, $13,5 million contract with the Nashville Predators, avoiding restricted free agency.

Read the entire article here.

I'd say these are fair terms for both sides. Weber had a setback last year with an early season injury and he never seemed to get back to his former self, especially offensively, until very late into the season. That being said, the Predators know how valuable he is to their team and Weber obviously seems like it in Nashville. With the way the market is heading, a $4.5 million average cap hit for three years will probably be a pretty big bargain by the time the deal is complete. It may even be a bargain as early as next season; Weber is that good.

Weber and Predators closing in on contract agreement

From John Glennon of the Tennessean:

The Predators are very close to reaching an agreement with defenseman Shea Weber, and could finalize the deal as early as today, according to Weber's agent, Don Meehan.

Weber is expected to sign a multi-year deal with the team.

"All I know is that things are going good so far,'' Weber said of the negotiations. "Hopefully we'll get something done soon.''

Read the entire story here.

No surprise here. The Predators gave Ryan Suter the money and you knew Shea Weber wasn't far behind. The biggest questions are obviously what his average salary per year will be and what term did he receieve?

How the Predators evaluate draft prospects

From Jessica Hopp of the Tennessean:

Scouts travel worldwide to watch how potential top picks act and react on and off the ice. As the draft nears, the team sets up individual interviews to appraise attitudes and ask about troubling instances. This is where the Predators said they put the most stock.

"There are so many different ways of evaluating players whether it's statistics or hands-on experience," Fenton said. "But I always revert back to you have to trust your eyes. I have been in this for a long time, and I can't honestly say too many players have fooled me in an interview. At the end of the day what you see is what you get."

Red flags with prospects include poor one-on-one interviews, unbecoming evaluations from teammates, coaches and family, and unwavering selfishness. Fenton said he also keeps an eye on problem players or potential problem players in other leagues and sports.

Read the entire article here.

Always fascinating to read what a team considers most important when it comes to draft time. Good work by Hopp.

Predators given some time to come up with money

From John Glennon of the Tennessean:

The Nashville Predators hockey club bought time from Metro on Friday to get its financial house in order and fix a sudden nearly $10 million hole in the safety net meant to protect the city in its deal with the team.

The Metro Sports Authority took no action to place the team in default in the wake of financial and legal troubles of Predators minority owner William J. "Boots" Del Biaggio III. The authority appeared willing to give the team at least until Aug. 4 to replace the $9.8 million that Del Biaggio had pledged as his part of the guarantee under a new lease agreement negotiated by Mayor Karl Dean's administration earlier this year and adopted in April.

Read the entire article here.

The Predators are getting somewhat of a break here, as the Metro could have placed the team in default. Regardless of the outcome, this has turned into a complete disaster for the NHL.

Balsillie is in the picture

From Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette:

The National Hockey League has gone to great lengths to keep Jim Balsillie from buying an NHL team, but he may be in a position to buy Williams (Boots) Del Biaggio III's 27-per-cent stake in the Nashville Predators.

Del Biaggio filed for bankruptcy last Friday and his assets include the minority stake in the Predators. He joined a group of local investors as part of a plan to keep the team in Nashville and out of the hands of Balsillie, who offered considerably more money than the local group.

While the NHL head office insists that the board of governors decides who should own a team, the fact is that league officials see Balsillie as a nuisance because he has said he wants to buy a franchise and move it to southern Ontario. This is not considered a desirable outcome because (a) such a team would infringe on the territory of existing franchises in Toronto and Buffalo and (b) it would be a tacit admission that expansion has been a failure in at least one U.S. city.

Read the entire article here.

Hickey raises many good points in his piece, the most important being the fact that Del Biaggio's creditors only care about getting as much cash as possible. It appears Balsillie's may be closing in on finally getting into the NHL circle.

Ownership problems won't affect Predators payroll

From John Glennon of the Tennessean:

Predators General Manager David Poile has reassuring words for fans concerned with how Nashville's current unsettled ownership situation could impact the team on the ice.

William "Boots'' Del Biaggio III, who owned 27 percent of the team, declared bankruptcy Friday after he was targeted by numerous multimillion dollar lawsuits.

The team's other owners have been exploring the purchase of Del Biaggio's interest or finding another investor to replace him.

"It's obviously a situation you wish didn't happen, but it has nothing to do with the payroll,'' Poile said. "I'm not really versed in where you go from here. But Boots already had his (ownership) money in to the league and it's not going anywhere. So as far as the payroll, I don't feel it's going to have any effect.''

Read the entire article here.

This is good news for Predators fans. The team has to re-sign Ryan Suter, Shea Weber, Dan Ellis and others this summer so money will be an issue. So long as this ownership problem does not change the team's make-up for next season, the Predators should continue moving in the right direction.