It has been confirmed by a multitude of sources on Twitter that the Nashville Predators have hired former Stars President Jeff Cogen in some capacity. An official statement by the Predators is expected later this afternoon.
Mark Stepneski at ADSP points out that Mr. Cogen's contract ran out at the end of June, so technically, Cogen already left the Stars.
What did Mr. Cogen do here, you ask? From the Stars media guide...
He oversees all business aspects of the Dallas Stars organization, including finances, marketing, advertising, public relations, promotions, ticket sales, budget development and broadcasting agreements. He also serves as alternate governor of the NHL’s Board of Governors.
Though, you may remember Mr. Cogen from his letter to Stars fans this February.
Cogen first joined the Stars in 1993 as Vice President of Marketing where he would remain until 1999 when he was appointed executive vice president of marketing and communications for the entity that then managed the Stars, Rangers and the Mesquite Championship Rodeo, Southwest Sports Group.
He left Dallas in 2001 for the Florida Panthers but returned to the metroplex in 2004 and was named president of the Texas Rangers, serving in that capacity until rejoining the Stars in 2007.
He has been connected to the Dallas Stars off and on since the beginning in '93 and no doubt had a strong hand in building the season ticket holder base here. Good luck in Nashville, Mr. Cogen.
There is no word yet on an interim-president in his stead or if the team will wait for new ownership.