Nashville Predators Holiday List – 25 Days of Predsmas: Week 3

Expansion team drama

To the Vegas Golden Knights,

Many wouldn’t consider us rivals. Hell, I’m not sure this writer would. But we’ve got beef, and it’s time we say what everyone else is thinking: it must be nice to have been an expansion franchise with the current expansion rules, because you had it easy. You got a Hall-of-Fame goaltender in Marc-Andre Fleury, but you also took the real-deal-James-Neal from us.

When your entire team is made up of second and third line guys its first year, and you get plenty of cap room to make things happen, it’s no wonder you’re a Stanley Cup contender.

The problem is, it shouldn’t be that easy. Some franchises actually had to work to get to where they are today. You’re like the favorite grandchild born on third base whose parents buy you whatever you want, while your cousins don’t even get an allowance.

We’d wish you success, but honestly you don’t deserve it – not yet. You haven’t even experienced your first lockout (but you probably will soon, it’s a right of passage).

All this to say, until you’ve gone through actual growing pains, take all the seats. We respect the energy of your fanbase, but we don’t respect your franchise. Maybe someday we will, but today is not that day.

May your holiday season provide you with some credibility, earned through hardship – you’re due.