The Nashville Predators are continuing their pursuit of a new general manager, and so far, no candidate has managed to fully impress the organization. Minority owner Nick Saban is reportedly spearheading efforts to foster a cultural shift within the team.
Initially, many believed that Tom Fitzgerald, the former General Manager of the New Jersey Devils, would be the chosen candidate due to his existing connections with the Predators. However, the team is reportedly looking for an external candidate with a comprehensive skill set.
Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period shared insights on Sirius XM’s NHL Network Power Play Segment regarding the prolonged search process in Nashville. He indicated that the situation with Tom Fitzgerald is not as clear-cut as it might have seemed previously.
Pagnotta explained that Nick Saban, along with other minority owners, is involved in the search. Their focus extends beyond just hockey operations to encompass a broader strategic view of how the organization should be managed moving forward, considering various organizational elements.
There is speculation that some candidates under consideration are currently in management roles with playoff-bound teams. The Predators are reportedly waiting for these teams to conclude their playoff runs before proceeding with further interviews.
It’s worth noting that when Barry Trotz announced his transition and commitment to finding a new GM, no specific timeline was set. Trotz remains under contract for another year, and while the team aims to finalize the decision between now and July, they are taking their time to ensure they select the ideal individual(s) to lead the team’s future direction.
Craig Button commented on the involvement of Nick Saban, a minority owner with a football background. While acknowledging Saban’s exceptional coaching career, Button found it interesting that he is now assisting in the NHL GM search. He emphasized that while Saban’s leadership at the University of Alabama was remarkable, the translation of those skills to hockey operations is a subject of fascination.
The article also notes that good decision-makers in one sport do not always translate to success in another. However, it suggests that Saban’s experience in building successful organizations at LSU and the University of Alabama has equipped him with a strong understanding of the standards and practices necessary for winning organizations. His ability to identify leadership potential extends to both hockey and business operations, and these principles are considered transferable.
It will be interesting to observe which playoff teams might be targeted for potential candidates, such as Darren Yorke in Carolina or a candidate like Martin Madden in Anaheim.
English Translation:
NHL Rumors: Nick Saban Wants the Right Person in Nashville
The Nashville Predators continue their search for a new general manager. Nobody has truly impressed them so far, with minority owner Nick Saban leading the charge to change the culture in Nashville.
Many had assumed that Tom Fitzgerald, former New Jersey Devils General Manager, would have been named already, given his ties to the organization. However, the Predators are looking for someone outside the organization who is well-rounded.
Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period explained on Sirius XM NHL Network’s Power Play Segment with Steve Kouleas and Craig Button, when asked what is taking so long in Nashville.
Steve Kouleas: “So, just to double-check here, are we still waiting on Tom Fitzgerald in Nashville, or is there something else, just for my clarity, Dave?”
Dave Pagnotta: “Well, in Nashville, I don’t think it’s as clear-cut as it was maybe a week or so ago, that it’s likely to be Fitzy out there in Tennessee. It sounds like Nick Saban and some of the other minority owners are part of that search. They are looking at a broader scope, not just exclusively hockey operations and how this organization is going to be run moving forward, but also taking into account the other elements of running an organization.”
So, there are some who believe that there are individuals up for the gig who are currently on playoff teams in management roles. We’re waiting for this round to wrap up before they go through those additional interviews and proceed from there.
Remember, guys, when Barry Trotz announced that he was going to transition out and help find a new GM, they didn’t put a timeline on things. He’s still under contract for another year. Clearly, they’d want to get this done between now and July, but they’re taking their time to make sure they find the right individual or individuals to go in there and kind of reshape that team moving forward.”
Craig Button: “I mean, it’s interesting to hear that Nick Saban, a minority owner with a football background, is now trying to help. Organizations wonder why they end up in the problems they do. And nothing against Nick Saban. I mean, bottom line, he is a great, great football coach.
What he did at the University of Alabama, we all know that. But, it’s fascinating to me 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 Poile ran that first-rate, top-notch for years.”
NHLRumors.com Note: It is amazing how good decision-makers in one sport can’t translate to others. Saban built two organizations with the same process: one at LSU and one at the University of Alabama. He has standards and practices that all winning organizations need. Saban knows what to look for in a person who can lead not only the hockey operations department but also the business operations. Those methods, practices, and standards translate.
It will be interesting to see which teams they target that are still in the playoffs. Could it be Darren Yorke in Carolina or a Martin Madden-type in Anaheim?
