The Bob Naegele era ended today when the Minnesota Wild was sold former Nashville Predators owner Craig Leipold.

Naegele sold his controlling interest to Leipold, and, according to Jac Sperling, president of the Wild and Minnesota Sports and Entertainment, the deal should be completed in a couple of months. As reported by the Minnesota Star-Tribune:

Leipold, a native of Racine, Wis., is extremely respected in NHL circles and was influential before and during the lockout as a member of the NHL’s executive committee, which negotiated the new collective bargaining agreement. He was often the voice for small-market teams, believing a salary cap and revenue sharing were needed to compete with the NHL’s elite.

Leipold sold his interest in the Predators in early December for a reported $193 million because, he said, the team was losing money and was failing to gain a foothold in the Nashville market.

Two highlights of Naegele’s ownership tenure were the Wild’s 2003 playoff run to the Western Conference finals and the team’s hosting of the 2004 All-Star Game. 

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