How Nashville Predators honored David Poile with Gibson guitar to open 2023 NHL Draft

To open the 2023 NHL Draft and punctuate general manager David Poile’s farewell tour, captain Roman Josi and former goalie Pekka Rinne, beloved Nashville Predators of the past and present, honored Poile with a Gibson guitar. 

Rinne and Josi were welcomed to the stage with cheers and applause as commissioner Gary Bettman — who was showered with boos — announced the presentation of the guitar.

Bettman waded through the boos to offer praise to Poile, who will retire Friday as the longest-tenured GM in NHL history. Bettman said Poile has done the most to “build hockey” in Nashville.  

“You’re the reason this place is called Smashville,” Josi remarked as Rinne stood behind him with the blue guitar. 

Poile expressed his gratitude to Nashville’s fans, calling his 26-year tenure “the greatest 26 years” of his hockey career. 

Poile continued to receive congratulations and praise from teams that took the stage to announce their picks as the night went on.

Poile served as the Predators first general manager, beginning his tenure in 1997. He is officially set to retire Friday and will be succeeded by first-time general manager and Stanley Cup winning coach Barry Trotz, who also served as the Predators first head coach.