Clay Brewer: Preds Pending Sale
- Clay Brewer
I believe that Bill Haslem's buy-in to the Preds ownership team will be good for the entire organization. Some of the current owners, especially the elders, may be realizing that it's time to make a few life changes. I would think that several are wanting to cash in and move on, unwinding involvements.
Also, I can't help but feel that the current group has somewhat cocooned themselves in a make-no-waves comfort zone that has become a bit mundane - just go with the flow. Haslem will have the opportunity to change that if he so chooses, reinvigorating the soul of the organization with new blood and new life. I hope that's the path he chooses but I also realize that there are no guarantees. He may have different ideas and choose to simply blend into the status quo, but I doubt it.
Bill Haslem's entry is timely in other ways too, as it dovetails into other looming, inevitable changes. A prime example: no matter what one thinks of David Poile, he's 72+ and has to be looking to conclude his long NHL tenure at some point. The shifts in ownership will provide that opportunity for, if nothing else, a phased exit to some kind of emeritus status.
We may not see much of anything substantial for a year or two but after that, I feel changes will happen. Hopefully it will at least be interesting. Some elevated drama might be good too.
