August 7
The Millers GM had just returned to the hotel after watching Minneapolis defeat Montreal 6-3. He noticed a flashing red light from the hotel room phone, and began listening to the message.
“E, sorry, your voicemail was full on the cell. Call me when you get this.”
It was his agent. Probably just another radio endorsement, he figured.
He figured wrong. Well-known 47-year-old billionaire Jorge Lopez had requested a sit down meeting, but didn’t want to ruffle any feathers. He was going to be in Minneapolis for business the coming weekend, when Minneapolis would be back at home for a big series against Calgary.
Both parties agreed to meet for dinner Saturday August 12 at a steakhouse in downtown Minneapolis, where Erik agreed to leave the Millers at the end of the season, citing major problems with ownership in Minneapolis. He wanted out, and this was a great opportunity to build his own team.
