GM Barry Trotz Leaving Predators, Trade Deadline Plans Unclear

According to several reports, Barry Trotz is leaving the Nashville Predators as general manager, and a replacement is set to be named. As for how this will impact the organization’s trade-deadline plans, that remains unknown. Names like Ryan O’Reilly, Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Michael Bunting, and even Roman Josi were mentioned in different trade rumors this season.

Elliotte Friedman reports on Monday morning, “According to multiple sources, Barry Trotz will announce Monday he is stepping down as general manager of the Nashville Predators — although he will remain on the job until a successor is found.”

Pierre LeBrun also reported, “The Nashville Predators will have a noon CT news conference to make official the news that Barry Trotz will step down as GM…”

How this will impact the Predators plans heading into the trade deadline is unclear.

The Predators, after a slow start to the 2025-26 season, climbed to within four points of a playoff spot by Sunday night. With the Olympic freeze approaching and the trade deadline a month away, the team was exploring all options. It might be hard to envision a scenario in which the organization allows a departing GM to make moves that will shape the team’s future if he’s not around to deal with the consequences of his decisions. His vision of what the team needs might be completely different than what another GM might see as important.

This gives the team about a month to hire a new GM and develop a strategy.

Barry Trotz, a legendary figure in Predators history as their inaugural coach (until 2014), Stanley Cup winner with Washington in 2018, and GM since 2023 (succeeding David Poile), is stepping down as GM—though he’ll stay until a successor is named. More developments expected.

Next: Predators GM Reveals the Availability of Potential Oilers Trade Target