See what I did there with the rhyming? Isn't that neat? No. No it's not. But what is neat is to see is a guy with a passion and love for hockey getting put in charge of one of the best hockey towns in the NHL. It's no secret that the folks up in Minnesota really care about hockey. During the year-long saga of Craig Leipold's sale of the Nashville Predators, he made it clear again and again that it was about the money. We heard the old line, that if there was anything that could be done to keep the Predators under his watch, he would have done it, but was out of options.Today, Leipold sort of proved those statements were true by buying into what is arguably the most successful expansion franchise of Gary Bettman's tenure. A report straight from the horse's mouth, the Minnesota Wild's official website, announces the sale of the Wild to Leipold. The Wild have been owned and operated by Minnesota Sports and Entertainment (MSE), which is not to be confused with the folks who own the Maple Leafs (MLSE). Terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but pending league approval, Leipold looks to be back in the fold as an NHL owner.
In an official release on the Wild's website, Leipold had the following to say ...
"I love the sport of hockey and am very excited to continue the tradition of Wild hockey here in Minnesota – the State of Hockey. I have admired Bob Naegele and the entire Wild organization since the first puck dropped in 2000. It is a true privilege to become part of the organization and the hockey community in Minnesota. I want to thank Bob for this unique opportunity, and I am pleased that he will consider continuing as my partner in the organization."
