Barry Trotz refrained from categorizing his approach—whether rebuilding, retooling, or simply resetting—during his inaugural season as general manager of the Nashville Predators.
The term “revival” aptly characterizes his efforts.
Under Trotz’s guidance, the Predators have not only reclaimed their “Smashville” identity but have also secured a playoff spot in the NHL after missing out the previous season—the first absence since 2013-14, which marked Trotz’s final year as the team’s original head coach. His return to the franchise has been immensely successful.
The Predators will await their first-round opponent until later this week. This postseason appearance marks the ninth in the last ten seasons and the sixteenth in the past twenty.
Reflecting on the team’s resurgence, Trotz remarked, “Smashville was the Coliseum, it was a place that you didn’t want to come in on a Saturday night and have to play the Predators because you’re just trying to get out, and I think we got away from that.”
Roman Josi, who played under Barry Trotz during his initial three NHL seasons, expressed excitement upon learning of Trotz’s return as the Predators’ new GM. Trotz succeeded David Poile, who retired last summer as the NHL’s longest-tenured and most successful general manager.
Josi acknowledged the challenges of transitioning from coaching to a GM role but commended Trotz for his remarkable adaptation, especially after guiding Washington to the 2018 Stanley Cup championship and coaching the New York Islanders before returning to Tennessee.
“He’s built something remarkable,” Josi remarked. “Reaching the playoffs is a testament to his vision, which he always made clear, and it aligns with our goals as a team.”
T.J. Oshie, who won the Stanley Cup under Trotz in 2018, isn’t surprised by Trotz’s seamless transition to GM. Oshie credits Trotz’s understanding of systems as a key factor in his continued success.
“He’s someone who highly values character,” Oshie remarked. “When you assemble a group of individuals with strong character, remarkable things tend to happen.”
Defenseman Karl Alzner, who played under Trotz in Washington for three seasons, initially didn’t envision him as a GM. Alzner described Trotz as a genuine and considerate individual, suggesting that navigating the tough decisions of a GM might pose challenges for someone with such a compassionate nature.
However, Trotz’s kindness didn’t prevent him from making necessary moves to restore the team’s identity, a foundation he had helped establish.
Trotz made significant changes, including the dismissal of John Hynes as coach and appointing Andrew Brunette, who scored the Predators’ inaugural goal, as his successor. He also secured key signings such as top two-way center and 2019 playoff MVP Ryan O’Reilly, rugged Cup-winning defenseman Luke Schenn, and winger Gustav Nyquist.
Additionally, Trotz made impactful trades, parting ways with Ryan Johansen and buying out Matt Duchene, which positioned Nashville as prominent winners in NHL free agency.
Although Nashville struggled initially with a 5-10-0 start to the season, they rebounded to achieve a .500 record. Despite challenges following the All-Star Game, including a significant loss to Dallas, Trotz’s decision to cancel team plans and refocus yielded impressive results, with the Predators going 16-0-2 thereafter.
Alzner likened Trotz to the quiet presence in a room who commands attention when he speaks up or takes a firm stance.
“It’s unfortunate that a concert got canceled, but ultimately everyone’s livelihoods are at stake, so you have to make the right call,” Alzner remarked. “I guess it paid off. He’s definitely not lacking in intelligence. This guy really knows his stuff.”
The Predators’ franchise-record points streak propelled them firmly into contention for the playoffs. What’s more, after starting with a 14-15 record at home, the Preds closed out the season with a strong 9-1-2 run, finishing with a 23-16-2 record in Nashville.
Fan engagement surged, evident in the return of standing ovations during stoppages in play, shaking the ice with enthusiasm.
Trotz emphasized Nashville’s status as a thriving hockey market, crediting ownership for creating a more level playing field with other NHL teams. Reestablishing the team’s rugged identity helped reignite fan passion, providing them with a team they could genuinely enjoy watching on the ice.
“We’re in the entertainment industry,” Trotz emphasized. “So I aimed to build a team that’s not only entertaining but also aggressive, not one to sit back.”
And certainly not one in the midst of a rebuild.
