May Day 10
Registered User
I'd like to hear more about this. I read a ton of comments here about Pegula being a meddling owner but no real details or known examples. I don't doubt the possibility, but I prefer facts before making that conclusion.
I don't blame any owner for wanting to be kept in the loop of major decisions (which seems understandable after TM). Then there's a foggy area where some people might think an owner is interfering just by being involved or adding his opinion. Then there's flat out dictation by telling a GM what to do.
I still don't know where Pegula falls. I wish there was more specific examples from people that have been in the know, but that type of info might never be available.
I know both botterill and adams have been on record saying they speak to pegula every day. Adams even says he likes how terry presents "challenging ideas".
Botterill once said that he didn't have jurisdiction over the coach. Ownership did and both gm and coach report to ownership. The Pegulas even donated a large sum of money to Karin Housley's senate campaign which makes for an awkward/deeper relationship.
When the pegulas got rid of lafontaine and Murray. I recall Terry's pc saying his biggest regret was giving up control, and he would never let that happen again.
Throughout ownership, terry and Kim pegula have championed an atmosphere that had "open communication" and everyone was free to share challenging ideas. This was parroting specifically at times by botterill, housley, Krueger, adams, and granato.
People I know and trust within ps&e have independently told me that Kim and lafontaine continually butted heads with the president role being overruled which led to the crescendo of the circus resignation.
Someone like lou lamoriello has no patience or need for "ideas" and open communication. In my opinion, that is code for ownership can actively steer the gm and maybe coach.
A president needs to make hard decisions. Uncomfortable ones. Sometimes heartless. Sometimes expensive. Ownership needs to provide autonomy and trust.