Nash Daily: Michelle Kennedy Q&A, Fresh Start For Granlund

The Nashville Predators’ chief operating officer and recently promoted president and alternate governor Michelle Kennedy recently did a Q&A with the Nashville Business Journal for their Women of Influence series.

While hockey operations and the on-ice product always take a front seat when it comes to NHL franchises, the inner workings of a team can be much more complex than one might think. Kennedy has been at the forefront of Nashville hockey but rarely finds herself in the spotlight. She gives some good insight into what her roles entail.

Chairman Herb Fritch and CEO Sean Henry announced today that Michelle Kennedy, currently COO for the Nashville Predators, Bridgestone Arena, and SS&E, will assume the additional titles of President and Alternate Governor, effective immediatelyhttps://t.co/URBSdluxbu

— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) July 14, 2023

Kennedy, who got her start with the Predators as an intern, has slowly worked her way to one of the top positions in the organization, seeking to move the franchise forward as majority ownership transitions to former Tennessee governor Bill Haslam.

One can expect to believe a new age of Predators hockey is being welcomed as organizational transition is happening across the board from hockey operations to executive leadership. This is not Kennedy’s first rodeo, and she seems plenty prepared to move the franchise forward. 

Nashville Hockey Now will be looking back over the next few weeks at the career of former general manager David Poile. The first story in our series reflects on the five best trades Poile made (spoiler alert: Filip Forsberg is pretty high on the list).

Around the NHL and National Hockey Now

San Jose Hockey Now: Sharks fans are not sure how to view their recent trade as general manager Mike Grier works towards reshaping the team out west. After a less than stellar stint in Pittsburgh, former Predator and newly acquired forward Mikael Granlund seeks to have a fresh start and take control of his new role as a veteran presence with the Sharks. 

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins newly appointed general manager Kyle Dubas opens up about what led to the Erik Karlsson trade. It didn’t take long after Dubas’ appointment for him to put his stamp on the Penguins, but there’s no doubt he took into account the Penguins veteran leadership. 

Colorado Hockey Now: Former Predator Ryan Johansen seeks to revive his career in Colorado as all eyes are on the 31-year-old center. While there’s doubt he can return to form as he approaches the backside of his career following a serious injury, here’s how he fits with the Avalanche.

NHL.com: Alex Stalock is continuing his career in the NHL for at least one more year as he signed a one-year contract with the Anaheim Ducks. Stalock was a finalist for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for the player in “the National Hockey League [ ] who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.” Stalock’s story is one of true perseverance both on and off the ice as he had serious complications following COVID-19 and subsequent myocarditis diagnosis. 

Follow Clay Brewer on Twitter/X: @ClayBrewer10