The Nashville Predators aren’t in complete free fall, but the pressure is definitely building, and it’s getting harder to ignore the need for drastic action. Currently stuck at the bottom of the Central Division, they’re closer to securing a wild card or the final divisional playoff spot than it might seem, but doing so will be a fierce battle in a tough Central Division and Western Conference.
Right now, the team appears to be floundering, and despite Andrew Brunette’s best efforts, he hasn’t been able to replicate the success he had last year. While this roster is arguably more talented, there’s a clear disconnect and a lack of chemistry that’s affecting their play. Brunette is running out of combinations to try, and though the season isn’t a lost cause just yet, it won’t stay salvageable for long without significant changes.
There is, however, one last resort for the Predators: Barry Trotz.
Yes, Trotz could theoretically take over coaching duties whenever he sees fit. This was an idea casually mentioned by Sean McIndoe at The Athletic recently. Though Brunette isn’t exactly doing a bad job and hasn’t faced substantial criticism, the prospect of bringing in a coaching legend like Trotz is undeniably appealing. If he did step behind the bench, it would arguably be the most talented lineup he’s ever coached — even more so than the Stanley Cup-winning 2017-18 team he led to glory.
With Trotz’s experience, if the management decides that Brunette isn’t the solution, he would be the ultimate interim coach — possibly the best in NHL history. And this wouldn’t be entirely unprecedented: Lou Lamoriello has stepped behind the bench multiple times after dismissing his coach, despite lacking Trotz’s coaching pedigree.
Such a move would immediately shake up the team, either sparking a resurgence or causing a complete collapse. But there’s no scenario in which it doesn’t lead to a significant shift within the organization.
However, is this the right move? Probably not. Brunette is a proven coach who hasn’t lost the locker room, and he’s still under contract. Trotz, for his part, isn’t the type to make impulsive changes, and the organization has long sought stability since his departure. Firing Brunette and stepping in himself would go against that philosophy.
Still, it’s an option that remains on the table, even if it seems far-fetched. The possibility of Trotz taking over again is something that might linger in the minds of Brunette — or anyone who ends up taking the coaching reins in the future.
