Barry Trotz Resigns as Predators GM – Pro Hockey Rumors

Barry Trotz is set to resign as the General Manager (GM) of the Nashville Predators, as confirmed by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. While a specific successor has not been named, Trotz will continue in his role until a replacement is appointed. There remains uncertainty about whether he will retire or pursue another role in hockey following this transition.

Barry Trotz’s Legacy with the Predators

Trotz has been a pivotal figure in Nashville since the 1997-98 NHL season. Initially appointed as a scout, he quickly ascended to the head coaching position before the 1998-99 season. Over his 15-year tenure, Trotz amassed a record of 557 wins, 479 losses, 60 overtime losses, and 100 ties, totaling 1,196 games coached.

• Trotz led the Predators to the playoffs seven times in his last decade.
• However, the team did not progress past the Western Conference semifinals in 2011 and 2012.
• His coaching tenure with Nashville ended in 2014 when the team opted not to renew his contract.

Career Highlights and Transition

After leaving the Predators, Trotz became the head coach of the Washington Capitals, where he significantly improved the team’s performance. Under his leadership, the Capitals achieved a record of 206 wins, 89 losses, and 34 overtime losses across 328 games. Notably, he guided the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup victory in 2018.

Post-Washington, Trotz signed on as the head coach of the New York Islanders for the 2018-19 season. He led the team to the Eastern Conference Final in both 2020 and 2021 but was dismissed in 2022 after a disappointing season. By the end of his coaching career, Trotz ranked fifth all-time in coaching wins, with 914 victories.

Return to the Predators and Executive Role

For the 2022-23 NHL season, Trotz transitioned back to the front office as a special advisor, with the understanding that he would succeed David Poile as GM. His early moves included clearing high-priced contracts and signing key players, but his strategies have faced scrutiny due to inconsistent team performance.

• Key signings included Ryan O’Reilly, Gustav Nyquist, and Luke Schenn.
• The Predators struggled in the previous season, finishing 30th with a record of 30 wins, 44 losses, and 8 overtime losses.
• Trotz’s recent acquisitions have included veterans like Michael Bunting and Erik Haula, but the overall direction of the team remains unclear.

The Predators are poised for a new beginning as they search for a new GM. The resignation signifies a pivotal moment for the franchise, marking the end of an era dominated by the Poile-Trotz leadership spanning over 25 years.