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Potential Future Leadership Targets for the Nashville Predators

By Colin Blouin

NASHVILLE, TN - MAY 05: Former member of the Nashville Predators Steve Sullivan waves a rally towel prior to Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round between the Nashville Predators and the San Jose Sharks during the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on May 5, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - MAY 05: Former member of the Nashville Predators Steve Sullivan waves a rally towel prior to Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round between the Nashville Predators and the San Jose Sharks during the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on May 5, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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David Poile, Nashville Predators
Predators GM David Poile listens to a questionWatson Suspension Presserpoile 091218 /

Nashville Predators In-House Candidates

Let’s make one thing clear – David Poile has been in the league for a very long time, and he has a lot of pull due to his tenure, whether it’s been a stalwart in navigating lockouts and toeing the company (NHL) line, or having his fingerprints on proteges that have gone on to other careers in the NHL.

Whenever Poile decides to hang it up, it will likely be at least somewhat on his terms. Because of that, he may have additional say on who replaces him on his way out.

One candidate who is currently an executive “free agent” so to speak, is former Assistant General Manager Paul Fenton, who went on to serve as the General Manager of the Minnesota Wild before being let go in 2019.

However, I believe if the Nashville Predators went in-house, it wouldn’t be Paul Fenton who is selected, but his replacement, current Assistant General Manager & Director of Hockey Operations – and also David Poile’s son – Brian Poile.

Without a doubt, Brian Poile has spent much of his adult life either around the Nashville Predators franchise, or working for it. He assumed his current role during the departure of Fenton, and has been in charge of the salary cap, player contracts, and many other aspects of hockey operations in what would appear to be a ready-made role he’s been groomed for.

Whether the fans are ready to come to grips with someone cut from the same cloth is one thing, but you have to think a GMDP to GMBP transition has been in the works long before this article is written.

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