Is Trotz Waving the White Flag on the Predators Season?

The Nashville Predators entered the 2024-25 season with high hopes. They worked to build a roster designed to challenge for the Stanley Cup. Yet, those ambitions feel distant a quarter of the way through the season. The Predators sit at the bottom of the league standings, frustrating fans and leaving management with tough decisions waiting to jump. After weeks of inconsistency—callups, waiver claims, and constant line adjustments—the Predators struggle to find their footing.

Recent moves, such as trading away Philip Tomasino, signal that Nashville might have run out of patience. Rumors are now swirling that the Predators could be ready to sell, a stark admission that their season has fallen short of expectations.

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Barry Trotz’s Dilemma: Build or Rebuild?

General Manager Barry Trotz has actively reshaped the team, acquiring three first-round picks in the 2025 NHL Draft. While these assets are coveted, particularly in trade discussions, Trotz has shown little inclination to part with them. The first-round picks could provide a way to retool quickly, whether by using them to acquire a top-four defenseman or a much-needed second-line center.

The Predators have struggled to fill the center position internally. Without a significant trade, their chances of competing this season look bleak. Yet Trotz may be hesitant to trade away future assets, especially Nashville’s first-round pick, which could land high in the draft if their poor form continues.

The Predators Have Faced a Season of Missed Chances

Nashville’s inability to capitalize on crucial moments has epitomized their season: one step forward, two steps back. While the team appears to have laid the groundwork for a quick rebuild with recent moves, the present looks grim. Trotz’s willingness to make bold moves earlier this year hasn’t translated into immediate success, leaving the franchise stuck in limbo.

Should the Predators choose to sell, players like Alexandre Carrier could draw interest. However, this would signal a pivot toward a rebuild—a strategy Nashville had seemingly avoided in favor of remaining competitive.

What’s Next for the Predators?

The current situation is puzzling and disappointing for a franchise that seemed poised to take the next step. Trotz must now decide: Is it time to sell and focus on the future, or should the Predators make another push to salvage this season?

The answer will shape the team’s direction for years to come. Will Nashville cut its losses and embrace a rebuild, or will it double down on trades to pursue the fleeting hope of a playoff spot? Only time will tell.

Related: A Frustrated Stamkos “Has Some Thoughts” on Predators Scoring Woes