Should Barry Trotz Take Over Behind the Bench in Nashville?

During a recent episode of The FAN Hockey Show, Matt Marchese, Mike Futa, and Elliotte Friedman discussed the struggling Nashville Predators, questioning whether a coaching change involving Andrew Brunette might be on the horizon. They speculated on the possibility of Barry Trotz—currently Nashville’s GM—taking over as head coach to get a firsthand sense of the team’s issues.

Friedman’s insights offered a compelling look into Trotz’s mindset, Brunette’s challenges, and the Predators’ struggles this season.

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The Predators’ Offensive Struggles

Nashville’s scoring woes have been glaring. As Friedman pointed out, the team scored two or fewer goals in 29 games last season. Alarmingly, they’ve already matched that pace this year, with 19 low-scoring games in their first 28. Recently, Steven Stamkos called out his teammates for their work ethic.

Friedman noted that such poor offensive results naturally lead to scrutiny of the coach. However, he argued that the blame shouldn’t rest solely on Andrew Brunette. Instead, he emphasized that Brunette didn’t suddenly forget how to coach after winning the NHL’s Coach of the Year award in a previous season.

Barry Trotz’s Perspective as the Predators GM

Friedman shed light on Trotz’s reluctance to make Brunette a scapegoat, stating:

“Barry Trotz has coached, so he’s sympathetic to the person behind the bench. He knows the challenges Brunette is facing.”

Now responsible for the roster, Trotz seems to recognize that the team’s struggles are as much about personnel as coaching. The Predators’ lineup features redundancies—players like Jonathan Marchessault and Steven Stamkos have overlapping skill sets—and glaring holes, particularly at the center, where Ryan O’Reilly is sidelined.

Could Trotz Coach the Team He Built?

Despite his reluctance, Friedman suggested that if results don’t improve, Trotz might step behind the bench temporarily:

“If this continues, Trotz might need to get behind the bench with the groceries he bought, just for the rest of the season.”

This potential move mirrors Lou Lamoriello’s past decisions, where a general manager briefly coached to evaluate the team better. Trotz’s intimate knowledge of the roster could allow him to identify what works, what doesn’t, and what changes are needed moving forward. The question is whether Trotz should do it or not.

Is This the Start of a Coaching Move in Nashville?

Mike Futa supported Friedman’s notion. He added that Trotz might use a hands-on coaching stint as a diagnostic tool rather than a long-term solution:

“He could step behind the bench, see firsthand what works, and then step aside to bring in someone new.”

Such a strategy could benefit Nashville, allowing Trotz to assess the team more effectively while planning for future adjustments.

The Bottom Line: A Bold Move for the Predators?

While Trotz’s potential return to coaching the Predators might seem unconventional, it aligns with his commitment to accountability and results. If Nashville’s struggles persist, what next? Could a bold, temporary solution be needed to stabilize the team and set it on a better course?

Whether Trotz decides to step behind the bench remains to be seen, but one thing is clear. The Predators are at a crossroads, and decisive action—on or off the ice—will shape their season.

It remains to be seen what steps behind the bench the Predators will take, but one thing is clear: they are at a crossroads, and decisive action—on or off the ice—will shape their season.

Related: Dejected Marchessault Calls Out Predators’ Communication Issues