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Updating the Balsilliemeter

Back when the sale of the Predators was first announced, I introduced the Balsilliemeter, a highly technical and scientifically advanced gauge to monitor the level of goodwill that a Nashville Predators fan should feel towards the prospective new owner. At that point, Balsillie began with a 4.5 rating on a scale of 1 to 10, based on the buzz that surrounded the possibility of a New Economy billionaire joining the NHL, and initial statements that GM David Poile would have a budget restrained only by the salary cap when it came to assembling a winner.

Needless to say, quite a bit has changed since then, and the Balsilliemeter has steadily declined over time, standing currently at 1.5. His intention to move the team out of Nashville as quickly as possible couldn't be any more plain, and his bull-headed tactics may end up costing him the deal. The Old Boys Club doesn't like to be pushed around, and Balsillie seems unwilling to slow things down to the pace that they would prefer.

Maybe he can land an expansion franchise and eventually be a credit to the NHL, but from the perspective of a Nashville Predators fan, you don't want to see Mr. Blackberry taking over the helm.

Jim Balsillie
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