Eklund, whom many hockey fans know as a behind-the-scenes source who emerged during the NHL lockout, has weighed in on the Preds ownership change this evening on his Web site:

The source went on to say that Craig was very upset with having to sell the team and that the team would remain in Nashville for at least another year, but after that he couldn’t guarantee anything…

Two ways to look at this… both just speculation on my part right now, but you would have to think that Basillie would not get involved with anohter NHL franchise if he wasn’t allowed to move it. OR…perhaps he has realized that he can’t move a franchise, and that since Nashville has the building and a fresh new naming rights corporate deal.

Either way, not a fun night for Preds fans who really deserve a franchise. Many of you know that I fell in love with this city and the entire organization last year when I visited. The only thing holding back the Preds in Nashville is the lack of the Music Industry stepping up. They could sell more than 14,000 seats easily if they were all priced like upper level seats…it is the expensive corporate seats that has been the thorn…

I’m growing more concerned as this begins to soak in, and reading Eklund’s “at least another year” phrasing just feels like a punch in the gut. I’m astonished at what has happened today. I have little doubt that Craig Leipold sank not only his fortune but also his heart and soul into this franchise during the last decade, and I am really saddened to see him walk away from it. I just hope the Preds aren’t ultimately going with him.