Predators GM Barry Trotz to Retire, Stay Through Trade Deadline

Barry Trotz is retiring as general manager of the Nashville Predators, concluding his nearly three-year tenure. He will continue in his role through the NHL trade deadline on March 6 and will assist in the search for his replacement.

Trotz informed majority owner Bill Haslam in December of his decision to step away. Haslam aims to have a new general manager in place by the NHL draft in late June, emphasizing that Trotz's departure is a personal life decision and not related to team performance.

Trotz took over hockey operations in the summer of 2023. The team experienced a playoff appearance the following season after he hired coach Andrew Brunette. However, significant free agency investments in July 2024 did not translate to expected success, with the team falling short of playoff contention.

The Predators are at a crossroads as Haslam, the new majority owner, looks to the future. Key veteran players in their 30s could become trade assets. The core of the team, including goaltender Juuse Saros and captain Roman Josi, is signed long-term, providing a foundation for a potential rebuild.

Trotz's recent role as GM was shorter than his earlier coaching tenure with the Predators from 1998 to 2014. He later coached the Capitals to a Stanley Cup victory in 2018 and spent time with the New York Islanders before returning to Nashville.