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RUMOR - Jim Balsillie is baaaaack and sniffing around Nashville.

Written by Bill Brister on October 1st, 2008 | 5 Comments

Jim Balsillie is once again trying to get into the NHL … this time he is making a run for Billy “Boots” Del Biaggio’s minority share in the Predators. How many times is this now? Here is a guy who just wont take “No” for an answer. I don’t understand what Bettman and his crew have against this guy – I mean, come on, could he be any worse than the upstanding Del Biaggio and his loan fraud activities? After all, here is a guy who LOVES the sport, wants to be part of the action and has money to spend.

Balsillie offered $220 Million for Nashville back in ’07 and before that, in 2006, made a bid to purchase the Penguins. He backed out of the Pittsburgh deal when Bettman told him he would restrict his control … Over the team he OWNED! Again, makes no sense to me!!!

Evidently this go-round is not in the high 9 figures for Balsillie – a mere $23.5 million will get his foot in the door, however, he will have to get past all the other bidders, Majority owner David Freeman, and of course our fearless leader Gary Bettman and Bill Daly.

Keep in mind – this is all hear say … Richard Rodier (Jimmy’s attorney) declined to comment to the Globe … as did Freeman’s spokesperson. I think its awesome this guy wont go away! Keep it up Jimmy … If your looking to raise funds … put us at the Deke down for $50!

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Tags: Bettman, Jim Balsillie, Nashville

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About Bill Brister: I am married to a wonderful woman ... she allows me to play with these guys every Tuesday night and talk hockey, and sometimes she likes to joing the conversation. I also play hockey and roller blade. Love to ride my motorcycle and learn more about Social Media. You can see my personal blog @ http://billanddawn.blogspot.com

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5 Responses to “RUMOR - Jim Balsillie is baaaaack and sniffing around Nashville.”

Joe
October 1st, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Balsillie should have had this team from the beginning…
Bettman is a jerk and an idiot.

http://www.FireBettman.com
Bill Brister
October 1st, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Joe -

I could not agree with you more! Jim has shown himself as a successful business man, he has proved himself as a man passionate about this great sport, he has shown myself (and all the other owners in the NHL) that he is NOT going to stop trying!!! I mean seriously, with new guys like Len Barrie and Oren Koules running the show in Tampa and some of the deals they were able to pull out of their asses … I think Jimmy would be an excellent fit in this new league that is about to explode.

I think Bettman has done enough … agree or disagree with him, he has done what he was suppose to do. Now it is time for a new captain - someone who can grow the fan base and attract a new audience.

I cant wait see how Bettman gets in the way of this offer.

Thanks for the comment … LOVE your website!!!

Bill
Charlie
October 3rd, 2008 at 7:05 am
I don’t like the guy simply from the standpoint that he wants to dismantle/move a team to Canada. I fully support the idea of Canada getting another franchise, but not at the expense of an existing franchise, especially in the south. Granted, I live in the south and want hockey to blow up here in the worst way, so I think the Evil Bettman Empire should put their marketing dept.(and I use the term loosely)on expanding the fanbase in areas where the NHL has teams already and fer chrissakes give this homer an expansion franchise for Hamilton, or Winnipeg, or anywhere else in Canada he likes. As far as Balsilly being no worse than “Boots”? I’ll buy that, but just remember….a gold turd is STILL a turd….just shinier. Great site, nice job! New reader via Pensblog!
Bill Brister
October 8th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Charlie -

Thanks for joining the discussion. I, as you, like the idea of Canada getting another team … hell, they have proven to us they can support one thats for sure! After all, when 20% of the league (6 teams) provide 31% of the revenue they are doing something right up there.

I dont think we need to expand either - look at Florida (2 teams) … really? Are the Panthers necessary in South Florida? What about some other struggling franchises … sure, its hard and hurts whenever “your team” picks up and moves, but remember, there are US (the fans) who love the sport and THEM (the owners) who are in this as a business.

If I had a team that was losing money - I would be looking for a place where I could turn that around.

Thanks for your comment … thanks for reading.

Bill
MooBud
October 20th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
I wish I had that kind of money to throw around!