9-23-08 Jeremy Jacobs, Boston Bruins Owner

This says the week where we undertake our owners series. Yesterday we began the series with Robert Kraft. A we will continue what with Jeremy Jacobs in just few minutes he's going to check in from Buffalo. I'm just a couple of minutes here tomorrow will go to Fenway Park we'll talk with John Henry principal owner of the Boston Red Sox. Thursday we will talk with quick -- backed. One of the owners of the world champion Boston Celtics. Friday's little up in the air right now -- where we're working and in fact our whole Patriots Friday may be up in the air right now. Based on the Patriots schedule you know with the bye week is like him and Bill Belichick deciding okay we're going to take this they offer that they offer these days off so we don't know what's going to have.

On Friday in -- Chris Landry told us earlier how quirky. Al Davis is just a strange guy you know Al Davis has something else to be man that he's mad at us. I hate you and race but yet actually are -- is mad. At this region. He's listening on WEEI dot com. Thinking about we've got harassed later today for Chinese food so he's listening he's saying. And owners series. In New England how easy is that Robert Kraft -- he's you know his team would eighteen and one last year and he asked and -- to face the music. John Henry his team when the World Series last year you have to face the music. Rick gross back. It seemed when the NBA title. He's got a talk about the problems and this franchise. Okay Jeremy Jacobs sore and there -- some questions there at least fifteen made the playoffs my Oakland Raiders haven't done and allows him I was wearing a short at least you're actually. Something to do it just think this hearing you say that. That was going to be joining us. And you think about these teams and no we've we've mentioned and many times. What a great stretch this has been in Boston sports in new England sports but to stay here you. Mention all of the owners and you think about the status. Of all these teams. Pretty good run for every.

Unbelievable on yet with the exception of the one. And you know. Their situation is what it is we all -- but it has shown improvement the last couple of years. Last year. Well I think when -- to rally arrived he saw you know little bit of improvement last year considering. Well considering the injury to Bergeron and Alastair was pretty healthy -- I don't know -- tell you why is that the last couple years last year definitely the year before. Not so much obvious improvement he would have fired the first coaching hire. Idea. Is that usually what happens -- when. Anyway. Let's let's continuing our -- series as we mentioned we talked with -- Robert Kraft yesterday. John Henry joins us tomorrow -- on Thursday. Joining us on the line right now is the owner of the Boston bruins' Jeremy Jacobs hey Jeremy it's -- Michael --

like doing pretty well Ariel. It temporary and very well thank yeah even last night's result optimism reigns at the start of the season for everybody doesn't. Know what that's like. Well and and as I -- caller earlier your most loyal fan I think threat from New Hampshire. Yeah this guy to he had this guy is the biggest Bruins and we talked to consistently. And I you know you you come out of that with Patrice Bergeron feeling good about himself and healthy that'd be the single biggest positive I take that'll last night.

It was a physical it was last night that that was probably the most important thing he felt good enough that he he didn't feel intimidated there was some of that. If you like which hurt you know I've been going to be cautious that brought I think getting a lot to do with the fact. That last year he wished he would have been ready to played in other series Montreal obviously we could get there. But he hit the whole summer to. Get himself in shape like. Just cable in the condition -- And I'm always struck with. Profit the other number secondly. Late seventies -- used to go to some of these training camp period in. Maybe you know appears well considerate ankle problem that you don't -- that and because people are true athletes and really look like.

Germany where we talked to two we talked with you last year during the owners series. You told us. And pretty strong times that you weren't. Truly satisfied with the coaching job that Dave Lewis. Was doing in and shortly after that Dave Lewis was fired I'm wondering. Where you are. On on Claude Julien mean what do you think of -- at his job last year in -- and a Claude Julien going for.

I thought he is -- perfect job last year I think we -- chipped in with laughable Bertrand. And in goalie prospect there. Threat Fernandez. He he he he -- Beckett has never GI need more. You you comfort me he needed. They made this team work and it worked for him I think we did it. I think people economic recognized. This system was so important to winning. And he produced a team under very difficult circumstances I think he's got a much better situation to make.

In that he is comfortable with the present.

That's present -- they they played form for a year they understand him he understands that I think that he knows where Peter is. He knows where ownership. Behind I think that would reach out and I think he should build on that for the coming here.

As well as you can give us a sense. Of that conversation or the gist of the conversation you had last year with Peter. Before he moved on from Dave Lewis and the reason I asked that. His first major hire a coach. I did not work out well so one year into the job he moves on. And and makes the commitment to someone else. What was that like move for him to have it to -- have to sell you on that it did you question him in his judgment because he was wrong and his first big move.

You know admitting that you did where -- move again is what I'm impressed with with Peter. Want to. Peter was carefully into kept if you recall when I hired Peter he became restricted. By Ottawa as to what he couldn't couldn't do right through the draft so I gave -- colleges work. His presence to be able to make that decision but he needed to make early and therefore it has. It is -- is mister but it I think given a full year an opportunity. -- particular -- the right organization. Impressed with what.

Without me. Trying to get fans' eyes to glaze over here when we start talking about intricacies of the salary cap. There is a change in how the cap will be in force this year the salary cap has gone up some six million dollars this year six point four million to be exact. But it's a little different because of the fourth year of the currency BA. And the hard cap aspects. For instance Phil Kessel salary cap number jumped significantly this year because of the way to cap as being enforced. Does that restrain how you can do business because of that.

In the in the bonuses are that now all collected -- in the camp. Where they've worked before -- what you could you you could go over for what percentage a point seven point 5%. Yeah -- no longer. At three million dollars you can't you can't. Isn't much so that you -- do that anymore pitchers so it's.

It's going to impede that the biggest thing that we have to think of field and you'll understand is that. Our camp it's -- camp and therefore we have to be you have to live with it means that.

You gotta keep but not rule four incidents where. -- try to move for a player or you you you have to. What are right in the country with a young player. Within your organization and you have to always have room available. So one of the things that a lot of was done in correctly. We brought our cellar of the camp and found we we hit ball no movement with.

In being able to Jamaica in the -- you want to make. In defeat at.

Is -- a lot of clubs the clubs are not moving people that it liked chip. Because nobody want to take them the additional. Cap -- that that the -- to. I think that that we maybe is getting close to ourselves right.

Well in fact I I think we're going to see at the trade deadline. A lot fewer deals than we've seen in the past because of what you just said.

Yeah -- the biggest thing is you'd you'd you'd look at some of these facilities kept coming. We know that the next year a lot of hope will be out of it will be -- Will not be restricted. And you got a cavity and if you -- your organization and he got potential world. Of the guys that we've been there are cheap and action and -- that are coming -- That the you gotta keep it for as they grow.

You just mentioned the phrase growing the organization we were talking about this before you came on. You look at the Patriots they have they have virtually built a city down there Foxboro now. Of the Red Sox are are in they haven't done but the Patriots have done but. All of their their entrenched in this market and the Celtics New York -- won a championship how how you. Grow this organization the Bruins -- how do you elevate. Of the Bruins from from their current stand.

I keep going back.

What were the hockey. Is now. Foreign to. It's not foreign to the Boston market hockey is it is something that some idea of -- others in. On it's gone to practice.

Item for the morning. And -- witnessed so hockey is it's very much part of Africa. In the of the Boston.

I think we have to put away thinking for them.

The Red Sox were obviously very separate but the Patriots in Carroll Bob Kraft really took over and built the organization needed in the kind of of competition but he did in the best in the state Q did. All those things and he hit a tremendous organization. And he's he's -- in the success this year. All I see it. I seat at the Bob Kraft has done something very similar to what we need to do with -- kick a lot of -- occasion to epic kept got to live with an. But he grew an organization grew from you know anti. The property -- I think was -- which I think you draft people or mop that I think that's the way you do it in. On the other end of the sport can grow externally morsels we -- especially those that don't really have a cap. We. Both football.

I agree with you about how to build your organization and I and I think that's the exact way to do -- I wonder how you get the attention. Of the sports fans of not just Boston but New England I mean because of the success of the other franchises. How do you see some of that attention from.

I think that tacky yet natural following its history and I think winning is what it's going to be I don't think there's some of the that it would but we. I don't see it I don't. Just a fielders. Better than I -- we've done a lot of charitable work we expose our players -- more than anybody else that's all. Awful things that are powerful --

Looking at hockey more globally than just the Bruins in New England here. I've been a critic for along time now about the national television package that the NHL has do you feel that the current national package with -- versus and the game of the week later on in the year and NB on NBC. Is enough to expose your product of the masses that you need.

No I don't I think that we have to -- that whole property hopefully we can all we yet but he has to be definitely competitive basis. We found ourselves with yes paean. As being an afterthought there. Uh oh the -- it very very it would be in BA. After they have our property and we knew that would be relegated to -- list of things to do because we did it commitment. All -- with -- What's a good move for both first -- substantially. And other viewership substantially. But it's not a national. We can compete with sports.

Jeremy one of the most popular Bruins of the last 25 years -- Cam Neely what. What do you see for him I know he came on board last year and he was trying to figure out what his role was and then -- you may have settled into a bit of a niche -- What do you see for him next year two years from now five years from now.

Can't assuming. You all again to -- real leadership role. I've been exposed to camp. And it's stuck I just understands the game -- the players. Seeing him driving this. More more I think he's got a true leadership long term ownership will disorganization. Where he'll be next year I don't know I know a whole lot more comfortable right now. That it was a year ago and he can't throw real learning process here. Very very quick but he there's there's no doubt -- I -- in the other night. Town meeting that yet he you know so well -- took a product of the questions. He understood he he could separate that we can -- very much. And I'd George's. I enjoyed very much and rushed organization does -- You know X one of these guys if you you know or consent from Robert but he can go down in there's just can't for the old guys -- incredible people --

I was just going to ask you that is there enough Roman in hockey operations. For. -- Cam -- to work with play because he he's he knows players as you said. And he can really tell you this guy can fit this guy doesn't is there enough room. For him to work with Peter pitcher rally because that -- it seemed like oh oh frankly a waste of his ability to have him. Shaken hands and kissing babies.

Well I haven't seen that article. And but I can -- it is electric credibility. He has no problem going out there enjoys doing in George working with these developing players and electric credibility. Office and we're. Says we're going to. He's very much. A believer in building. A team from the bottom up. In in bringing him in the use in getting them into light. And good at doing and doing all that. Go on the -- he could talk -- comeuppance say this is where we are these players. That are. Very credible.

We talked with -- Bob Kraft yesterday about the yeah the possibility looming of the uncapped year in the NFL. The NHL players' association has the option to make this the final year of the current collective bargaining agreement. -- think they will and can hockey withstand another work stoppage down the road if it ever got to that. --

There might over 50% of every dollar ticket and -- players they've got that in writing they got it. Agreement today. -- work stoppage is not. Something that's an airport capture right now. I don't foresee it. I pay. A picnic up riches and ever worked historically they've done it -- participation basis. I don't know I don't know what they're going to do whatever they do would move reactive. And we'll do what's a professional sport.

Has the leadership void at the top of the players' association. Bennett issue for the NHL.

I think that it is part. Times where. Things -- done as -- is that good. But by and large we will work with whenever the players Jews and it's not really with an -- Within her scope of -- wants to. To react otherwise we have to work with whomever they lack. And that's what we're doing right now. You know we got a good going under their for a change something that that we can communicate with and like the wake. Today talk but I think to exert -- slow.

Your team was the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference last year went to seven games of Montreal great series. Do you think this team as currently constructed has what it takes to be a champion.

Yes the -- It at a you know it looked at -- like I think about it and worry your.

Well what are what are how to how can you say it looked at last year when. You're the HC.

Where -- at the end of the year I think we looked at it we've looked in the playoffs environment.

I want to go back to a point about about image and reputation. Deserved Iran deserved. The Bruins under your stewardship have a certain reputation among hockey fans and you know what it is. -- I've I've argued for a number of years now that the Bruins spend. Right up to if not -- or over the cap consistently. Do the Bruins spend. Concurrent with -- other franchises in the league in terms of scouting and coaching in those areas as well.

Well I I Christina repeater a change in the scouting. Profile of this team which is I think is done. Quite a bit. -- I think we know more about. Without that than most others. I seen a number of other teams. Go away from these alterations scouting and go to central scouting has a number of teams so I think. Where -- fashion and return I think we're we're deeper and scout for most of them are. All. In you know deeper traitors and things that the a lot of work over comparable. If you look better. But look at it like statistics we spent more -- Whether that. Troubled child what was that. In the right. Because we'll sort current. Current. And it's well -- Really we've really aren't that. If we can have a scout Britain has at least one. Player that can trouble -- national utley and that in the year in that.

dale alluded to it a few minutes ago does that bother you that. There is a perception. In New England that Jeremy Jacobs is cheapen. And the Bruins just just can't win with this she dialed in the team. A citizen Bob does it bother you.

Had a picnic actually you know what you know I'm not double play that well I'll walk about I guess we're ecstatic get out there and do a better job blocking it what. They -- the delicate now what year you'd. Want Colonia we double. We spend we spend where one of the more expensive club you know. But it took off demands we can't be cute when there what if you gotta you gotta be going to be coaster camp numbers and built or if I think this is. What has happened. -- We're being. Obviously. We appreciated in the area. Or. Misconception. Is now.

One of the things that we've talked about the past is is. Your son Charlie is here he lives here all the time. He has helping run this organization. He's here every day his wife is here is kids are here he's not Buffalo and commuting mean he knows what the Bruins fans want and feel. Have you sensed that that has had a positive effect at all among your fan base that there's at Jacobs in the store every --

I think that I think it's true I think in and I think I have sensed it. It's been appreciated. Charlie. Into Jacobs -- more than just. Well of Boston persona in the fact that yet to participate obviously in other things with in this organization understand or produce -- predominantly. Docile Austin and spent time there of course they're in these intimately involved in the appreciable teams in the cart. So lucky yes he plays a role there -- that -- doesn't itself. That. Consensus that a good investment.

We we talked -- Bob Kraft about real estate yesterday because it's a part of what the Patriots are doing. It's been a huge part of what you've been doing there have been plans on the books for a long time now for development around the TD BankNorth garden where does that stand.

that's. You know -- if it. Action move stat but which has been -- bottom line. While we get major project we're talking to major people out or in all ought not think -- It's really. Materialized except that we in the process. People think that realistic hopefully we get development. Are we have -- partners I I right now with the -- the real estate market is today. The crisis that the financial markets and so I don't know whether it's -- it's going to be have to be back burger camp. Because he has like absence will swiftly -- niche markets real market in Boston. The real estate market is which -- that in the he has historically that could happen quickly. I really neck -- as well.

Your team was active in free agency and in came away with some good mid level free agents one of them is Michael Ryder. Where. What was what were you in favor of going after. One of the elite guys like Marion also wound up in Detroit.

also. Yet this is this -- the dilemma here at. In order to create kept from -- need for Marion also. -- money that he would get. It would hit two really -- It can't change the profile cortina was which UP interfering with -- with the development. On to Japan it for the the bulk of the younger generation coming -- got a plate. Plate want to get you know obviously we Tibet. Well we got Chara Savard that your we consider ourselves that twelfth in dollar. Also the kind of things that make it difficult. To accommodate. Start but it would also and you saw what went to. Detroit for very little money that he wanted to go to Detroit that is -- I think you'll be. Available texture to. It's sort. It's. Blocked it -- at the can afford them in them that particular system. That's the question in the very much a guy like. Like Peter and ought to. Say this is what the -- the cable like if we. Have to take you to which kept these guys and it took come to agreement I think they. They went after what we thought we do with the best for the team. And can keep the -- will all. And so -- the rhetoric which they can director.

Final question before we -- ago. Injuries notwithstanding has no Patrice Bergeron no Manny Fernandez were. We're big obstacles to overcome it -- like how your team felt last year did you like how they how they look how they acted how they. Conducted themselves.

Like a lot at the end. I thought the ball but -- the end it all came together -- she's not -- and so physical as that. It didn't see throughout the year I think they're going to build on.

Jeremy will always appreciate taken the time to join us thank you for talking with a hockey fans of Boston. Thank you very much. Thank you that is Jeremy Jacobs the owner of the Boston Bruins.