Surprising Barry Trotz decision gives Predators chance to reset

A disappointing end to Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz's long run with the organization could be the perfect opportunity for a much-needed reset.

On Monday, Trotz, the first coach in Predators franchise history, serving in the role for 15 years, announced he's retiring but will remain with the team until a replacement is hired.

"I love the game," Trotz said, via ESPN. "I also love my family. Sometimes, you get defined by what you do, not who you are...You get to a point in life [where] you owe time. The great thing about this game is you're all-in, and you have to be if you're going to be successful. And it takes a lot of time, and it takes a lot of energy, and it also takes away a lot of things from your personal life, your family, your wife, your children, grandkids, you name it. And for me, it became really clear that they deserve my time."

While Trotz — a 2018 Stanley Cup champion as Washington Capitals coach — had a successful first run in Nashville, his front-office stint after being fired from the New York Islanders in 2022 has underwhelmed.

Hired as general manager to replace outgoing longtime front office executive David Poile — the team's general manager for 26 years — on July 1, 2023, Trotz wasn't a radical departure considering the duo's shared history.

"You've got to work together and I've always tried to do that with David. He's mentored me," Trotz told reporters when announced as the next general manager in February 2023.

Short-sighted moves doomed Trotz's GM tenure

In his first offseason as general manager, Trotz signed three aging veterans, defenseman Luke Schenn, forward Gustav Nyquist and center Ryan O'Reilly, raising the team's immediate ceiling at the expense of the future. Nashville went 47-30-5 that year, qualifying for the postseason but losing in the first round.

Last season, he traded defenseman Alexandre Carrier five months after handing him a three-year extension amid of 30-44-8 campaign. His seven-year, $49 million contract for free-agent defenseman Brady Skjei has been a disaster, with the 11-year veteran producing a negative-34 plus-minus with the Predators.

This past offseason, Trotz parted with defenseman prospect Jeremy Hanzel and a 2025 fourth-round draft pick for forward Erik Haula, 34, who has eight goals in 54 games.

The various misfires have the Predators in fifth in the Western Conference's Central Division and on the outside of the playoff picture at 25-23-6. Trotz's pending retirement is best for the organization, but only if it gets Nashville outside of its comfort zone when selecting his replacement.

Initial reports should temper fan enthusiasm.

ESPN NHL reporter Kristen Shilton wrote that the Predators have "three in-house candidates to consider," noting Jeff Kealty, Scott Nichol and Brian Poile, David Poile's son, as potential successors.

More substantial change might be necessary for the Predators to contend. The team has one playoff series win since reaching the 2017 Stanley Cup Final, and last season was among the worst in franchise history. Nashville's stability was once an asset — it made the playoffs in 16 out of 20 seasons from 2004-24 — but now, it could be holding the franchise back.

Trotz is giving the Predators a chance to make big front-office changes by retiring. It might be best for them to take him up on his offer.