Today in Hockey History: David Poile Becomes Nashville Predators GM

During the NHL’s hiatus, we at Last Word on Hockey are going to look back at each date’s historical significance to the game. We’ll remember the moments that shaped the sport of hockey that happened on this day. Here’s our look at this date in hockey history for July 9th, featuring David Poile.

Today in Hockey History

Nashville Names David Poile GM

1997: The not-yet-named Nashville Predators name Poile as their general manger. He helps the team start up in the Music City and it seems like a good fit. Poile served many seasons as the Vice President and General Manager of the Washington Capitals.

The Toronto native is still the only general manger in Predators’ team history. He also was the general manger for Team USA in the 1998 and 1999 IIHF World Championships. Poile broke the record for most wins by a GM with his 1,320th in March 2018. The Predators made the Stanley Cup Final in 2017 before losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Other Notable Events

1905: Future NHL President Clarence Campbell is born in Fleming, Saskatchewan. Campbell replaces Red Dutton as president in 1946 and serves 31 years. He oversees the 1967 expansion to 12 teams and the 1977 growth to 18. Campbell suspended Montreal Canadiens star Maurice Richard in 1955 after punching a linesman. Richard is banned for the end of the regular season and the playoffs. The Western Conference championship trophy is named after Campbell.

1998: The Buffalo Sabres sign goalie Dwayne Roloson to a contract. He was with the Calgary Flames.

2004: Pittsburgh signs former Philadelphia Flyers forward Mark Recchi to a contract.

2006: The New York Rangers sign free agent forward Brendan Shanahan. He scores 56 goals and nets 108 points in two years with the Blueshirts. Shanahan retires in 2008-09 after playing 34 games with his first team, the New Jersey Devils. He finishes his career with 656 goals and 1,354 points in 1,524 games. “Shanny” is elected to the Hall of Fame in 2013.

2009: Colorado Avalanche captain Joe Sakic retires after 20 seasons with the organization. Sakic helps Colorado win Stanley Cups in the 1996 and 2001 seasons. He wins the Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP in 1996. The Burnaby, British Columbia native wins the Hart Trophy, Lady Byng and Lester Pearson Awards. He finishes with 625 goals and 1,641 points in 1,378 games.

2014: The Chicago Blackhawks lock Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews to matching eight-year contracts. Both players have been instrumental to Chicago’s run of three titles in 2010, 2013 and 2015. Toews wins the Conn Smythe in 2010 and Kane gets the award in 2013.