Predators' chairman David Freeman steps down after three seasons

NASHVILLE - David Freeman has stepped down as chairman of the Nashville Predators' board of directors.

Freeman, a Nashville businessman, has been lead owner of the Predators since the ownership group bought the team late in 2007. The team said in a news release Monday that the new chairman is Tom Cigarran, a health care executive and another member of the ownership group.

The ownership team came together to buy the franchise in order to keep the Predators in Nashville. The Predators did not say why Freeman stepped down or if he remains an owner.

Neither the team nor Freeman's attorney returned phone calls for comment.