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ST. PAUL, Minn. — Craig Leipold vividly recalls his first week as the owner of the Nashville Predators back in 1998.
The original owner of the Predators remembers Ray Whitney’s breakaway goal in the third period of Nashville’s inaugural game, a narrow 1-0 defeat to the Florida Panthers, as if it happened yesterday. He also has sharp memories of Andrew Brunette’s historic first goal for the Preds in a 3-2 victory over Carolina.
“To be honest, I believe it went under the net, not into it,” Leipold remarked Tuesday night from his owner’s suite at center ice in the Xcel Energy Center during the second period of the Wild’s impressive exhibition win against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Having owned the Wild for 14 years, this marks Leipold’s 26th opening week as an NHL owner, and he still feels those familiar butterflies, along with the same hopes that accompany every new season.
“A strong start is essential. Solid goaltending, an effective power play, and a robust penalty kill are all part of a straightforward formula,” Leipold shared with a laugh. “I sometimes wonder why we even need a coach—it seems so simple.”
Leipold’s primary objective this season is to lead the Wild back to the playoffs after they missed out last spring for only the second time since 2012. He firmly believes this team is playoff-caliber but recognizes the importance of a significantly improved start compared to last year, enhanced goaltending, a vastly improved penalty kill, and a generous dose of luck regarding injuries in a challenging Central Division.
While he passionately discussed the upcoming season with reporters, many inquiries revolved around next summer, when most of the financial burden from the buyouts of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter will dissipate (the Wild’s dead money will drop from $14.7 million to $1.7 million between 2025 and 2029). The focus will also shift to securing a long-term contract for superstar Kirill Kaprizov.
“Next July 1 is going to feel like Christmas,” Leipold stated. “We’ll have money and resources available to return to Wild hockey, and we’re genuinely excited about that. We’re assessing who could be available next year. You might ask me who those players are, but I won’t share that.”
“However, we know their names, and we’re uncertain if they will sign with their current teams or become unrestricted free agents. We maintain a list, and if they are available, we intend to pursue them. We feel confident that we can acquire one or two excellent players to enhance our team.”
The Wild are projected to have over $20 million in salary cap space, although some of that will be allocated for re-signing players like Marco Rossi and securing talented draft pick Danila Yurov. It’s evident that the Wild intend to target free agents, possibly including Burnsville native Brock Boeser if he does not re-sign with the Canucks, and Warroad native Brock Nelson if he becomes a free agent from the Islanders. Other notable unsigned players include Mitch Marner, Mikko Rantanen, and Carter Verhaeghe.
Nevertheless, the top priority will be extending Kaprizov, who followed his Calder Trophy with three consecutive 40-goal seasons, rewriting the Wild’s record book in the process.
“What does he desire? He wants to win,” Leipold noted. “We must demonstrate not only to him but also to other unrestricted free agents that we are committed to winning. We are“`html
In Tuesday’s 7-2 victory over Chicago, Kirill Kaprizov contributed one goal and three assists, totaling three goals and three assists over two preseason games. (Nick Wosika / Getty Images)
Leipold implies that the Wild can provide Kaprizov with an eighth year, an opportunity unavailable to any other team, potentially starting next summer. The other thirty-one teams would need to wait until 2026 to sign Kaprizov and could only extend an offer of seven years should he become an unrestricted free agent.
Should the Wild propose a salary of $12 or $13 million next summer, it equates to a potential total of $91 or $104 million. This locked-in amount, secured a year earlier, could prove attractive to Kaprizov.
While the Wild have steered clear of giving signing bonuses under Leipold’s leadership, the owner acknowledged that this aspect is likely to play a significant role in negotiations, suggesting, “we may be entering into new territory.”
Interestingly, Leipold noted he had an extensive discussion on this matter with Bill Guerin and CEO Matt Majka during their commute to and from the board of governors meeting in New York on Tuesday.
“Frankly, we need to demonstrate to many people, including our fans — that we’re committed to winning and that we’re going to succeed,” Leipold stated.
During Tuesday’s game, Leipold addressed several additional topics with reporters:
• Guerin is approaching his sixth season as the Wild GM. Under his leadership, the Wild have made the playoffs in four out of five years, although they have yet to advance past the first round.
Leipold affirmed that Guerin is not under pressure entering this season, even if the playoffs are not the outcome, and he fully supports Guerin and his
— we are exceeding our budget. Our (club level) seating has been sold out since they became available, and it remains sold out. The renewal rate among season ticket holders reached 90 percent, which is deemed outstanding by all standards. This is particularly impressive considering we didn’t qualify for the playoffs last year. The area where we are lagging is in game-day ticket sales, so we must reach out not only to our regular fans but also to the additional fans out there.
• Leipold mentioned that the Wild continues discussions with government officials regarding essential renovations at Xcel Energy Center and a project aimed at completely revitalizing and expanding the real estate surrounding the arena. “That remains a significant project for us that we’ve been working on. The city is wonderful, and they’re assisting us. We’re attempting to persuade the legislature and the governor. The challenge is that no one knows who will be leading the legislature. … We find ourselves in a difficult position right now. Ultimately, we need to ensure the renovations and upgrades for this arena are realized.
“This is extremely urgent. The timing is critical, and the opportunity is now. We can either apply temporary fixes or undertake the entire renovation. This comprehensive project would greatly benefit downtown St. Paul; it involves more than just the arena. It includes a new Roy Wilkins Auditorium, an expanded convention center, a new parking ramp, and a convention hotel with 650 rooms. This initiative encompasses a lot, and we believe it’s advantageous for the downtown area. It benefits our fans, our market, and we are advocating strongly for it this year.”
• Leipold indicated that the Wild has already received their first two payments from Bally Sports North as the local TV rights holder enters the final year of their contract, and they expect to receive the full payment. Two payments have already been processed.
Leipold stated that the Wild has prepared a contingency plan in case Bally Sports North does not return for this season, adding, “we have another option ready right now” should the Wild not secure a new agreement with the network beyond this season. It is believed that this option may be a free over-the-air service, although the Wild has also explored streaming alternatives.
“(The option we have is) not as favorable as Bally’s, but in the long run, it might prove better,” he noted.
(Top photo of Kirill Kaprizov: Melissa Tamez / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Craig Leipold Reflects on Predators’ Origins and Outlines Ambitious Future for the Wild
Background on Craig Leipold
Craig Leipold is a prominent figure in the NHL, known for his dual roles as the former owner of the Nashville Predators and the current owner of the Minnesota Wild. His journey in professional hockey has been marked by significant milestones that shaped the teams he led.
The Birth of the Nashville Predators
In 1998, Leipold purchased an expansion franchise in Nashville, Tennessee, which would become the Nashville Predators. His vision was to create a competitive team that would resonate with fans in a city not traditionally known for hockey. This vision faced numerous challenges, primarily in establishing a fan base and developing a competitive roster.
Key Challenges
- Market Acceptance: Many questioned whether hockey could thrive in the Southern U.S., a region dominated by football and basketball.
- Team Development: Building a roster capable of competing with established teams was an uphill battle.
- Financial Stability: Ensuring the team’s financial viability amid fluctuating attendance and revenue streams was crucial.
Strategies for Success
Leipold implemented several strategies to overcome these challenges:
- Community Engagement: He focused on community outreach and initiatives to engage local fans.
- Strong Management: Hiring competent management and coaching staff played a pivotal role in the team’s success.
- Investment in Talent: Drafting skilled players and making strategic trades helped elevate the team’s performance.
Transition to Minnesota Wild
After a successful tenure in Nashville, Leipold sold the Predators in 2008 and soon became the owner of the Minnesota Wild. His transition to the Wild was not just a change of teams, but a chance to apply lessons learned from his time in Nashville.
Vision for the Minnesota Wild
Upon acquiring the Wild, Leipold outlined an ambitious plan aimed at revitalizing the franchise. His vision includes:
- Building a Competitive Team: Leipold emphasizes the importance of creating a playoff-caliber team that can compete for the Stanley Cup.
- Enhancing Fan Experience: He aims to improve the game-day experience for fans at the Xcel Energy Center.
- Community Involvement: Continuing to engage with the Minnesota community to foster a strong fan base.
Recent Developments
Leipold’s recent decisions reflect his commitment to this vision:
- Coaching Changes: He has supported coaching staff changes to enhance team performance.
- Player Investments: Significant investments in player acquisitions to strengthen the roster.
- Facility Upgrades: Enhancements to training facilities and arenas to ensure players have the best resources available.
Future Ambitions for the Wild
Looking ahead, Leipold has set ambitious goals for the Minnesota Wild. His plans include:
Building a Championship Culture
- Team Identity: Establishing a strong team identity that resonates with fans and players alike.
- Winning Philosophy: Implementing a winning philosophy that permeates the organization, from management down to players.
Engagement and Growth
- Fan Engagement: Continuing to expand fan engagement through social media and community events.
- Youth Programs: Investing in youth hockey programs to cultivate future talent and build a loyal fan base.
Comparative Analysis: Predators vs. Wild
Leipold’s experiences with both franchises provide a unique perspective on the evolution of NHL teams. Here’s a comparative analysis of the two teams under his leadership:
| Aspect | Nashville Predators | Minnesota Wild |
|---|---|---|
| Year Established | 1998 | 2000 |
| First Playoff Appearance | 2004 | 2003 |
| Stanley Cup Finals Appearance | 2017 | Never |
| Fan Engagement Strategy | Community Events | Localized Outreach |
Personal Insights from Craig Leipold
Leipold has shared his personal insights into both franchises. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, adaptability, and a passion for the game:
Key Lessons Learned
- Importance of Community: Both teams thrive on community support; engagement is key to building a loyal fanbase.
- Need for Strong Leadership: Effective leadership at all levels is crucial for fostering a winning culture.
- Consistency is Key: Success in the NHL requires a consistent approach to team building and management.
Conclusion and Future Direction
While the future of the Minnesota Wild remains bright under Craig Leipold’s leadership, it is his past experiences with the Nashville Predators that continue to inform his strategy. By focusing on community, player development, and team competitiveness, Leipold is dedicated to taking the Wild to new heights in the NHL.
