Predators want dispute resolved by NHL, not in court

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Nashville Predators have filed a motion seeking to have the civil dispute between part-owner David Freeman and chairman Thomas Cigarran resolved by the league office rather than settled in court.

The motion from Predators Holdings LLC and Cigarran says "the proper forum for plaintiffs' dispute is the arbitration proceeding before the NHL Commissioner."

Freeman and Commodore Trust sued the team and Cigarran last week, saying the defendants breached their fiduciary obligations and contractual commitments to Freeman after he helped keep the franchise in Nashville. The plaintiffs are seeking $250 million.

In their filing, the defendants said "for the last eight years, Freeman has only put his own interests ahead of the Predators - and often to the Predators' detriment."

The Tennessean first reported the motion.