The Nashville Predators continue their search for a new general manager. No one has really impressed them so far, as minority owner Nick Saban leads the charge to change Nashville's culture.
Many thought that Tom Fitzgerald, the former General Manager of the New Jersey Devils, would be the one to name, given his relationship with the organization, but the Predators are looking for someone outside of the organization that works well.
NHL Rumors: Nashville Predators Still Looking for Right Man
As Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period explained in the Sirius XM NHL Network Power Play Segment with Steve Kouleas and Craig Button, when asked what's taking so long in Nashville.
Writing for NHLRumors.com
Steve Kouleas: “So double-checking here, Tom Fitzgerald, we're still waiting in Nashville, or something, just to clarify for me here, Dave.”
Dave Pagnotta: “I mean in Nashville. I don't think it's as clear as maybe a week or so ago, that it could be Fitzy over there in Tennessee. It sounds like Nick Saban and a few other owners are part of that search, they're looking at the broader scope of not just specifically ops hockey, but also being another element of the running back organization as well.
Nashville Predators GM Search Heads Into Final Stages
Therefore, there are those who believe that there are still those waiting for the gig who are currently in the playoff teams, right now in management, we are waiting for this round to wrap up before they go through those additional interviews and go from there.
Remember, guys, when Barry Trotz announced he was going to come out and help find a new GM. They didn't put a timeline on things. He has a contract for a year now. Obviously, they'd like to do this now between now and July, but they're taking their time to make sure they get the right person/s to come in there and reshape that team going forward.”
Craig Button: “I mean, it's great to hear that Nick Saban, a small owner with a football background, is now trying to help. Organizations are wondering why they end up getting into the trouble they do. And there's nothing against Nick Saban. I mean, really, he's a great, great football coach.
NHL Rumors: Nashville Predators, and Toronto Maple Leafs
That he did at the University of Alabama. We all know that, but, I'm excited when we talk about the process, and you talk about Nashville, I think Nashville has a lot of good young players. I think they have a lot of good people in their organization. David Poille ran that first level. High level of age.”
NHLRumors.com Note: It's amazing how good decision makers can't translate to other sports. Saban created two organizations with the same process. One at LSU and one at the University of Alabama. You have the standards and processes that all winning organizations need. Saban knows what to look for in someone who not only leads the hockey operations department but also the business side. Those methods, processes, and standards translate.
It will be interesting to see which teams they manage to lose in the finals. Could it be Darren Yorke in Carolina or a Martin Madden type in Anaheim?
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