The Nashville Predators’ season has drifted into uncertain territory, with brief bright moments surrounded by longer stretches that slow their progress. They have picked up wins against teams like Pittsburgh and Calgary, but the inconsistency keeps pushing them away from real momentum. Each game hints at what the group can be while also revealing the amount of work that remains.
As Colorado arrives for an 8:00 p.m. ET matchup on Saturday, Nashville stands at a point where answers feel increasingly urgent. That tension has naturally led fans back to a familiar name who helped define the franchise from the start.
Could Barry Trotz Ever Step Behind Nashville’s Bench Again?
Two-time Jack Adams award winner Barry Trotz’s presence in Nashville has never faded. His long tenure as the Predators’ first head coach shaped the team’s identity and set the foundation for nearly everything the organization became. He guided the club from expansion beginnings to regular playoff appearances and eventually added a Stanley Cup to his legacy after leaving for Washington.
​Now, Trotz leads from the front office as the Predators’ general manager. With the team sitting at 6-10-4, the ongoing struggles have sparked a recurring question among fans: Would he ever consider returning behind the bench if things continue to slide?
He addressed that directly in a conversation with The Tennessean, leaving no room for interpretation. When asked if he would appoint himself as head coach, Trotz responded, “Not a chance. A 0.0% chance.”
He explained his reasoning with equal clarity, noting that his transition into management was a purposeful decision, “I don’t want to do that. I don’t want to do that because I made the decision to do what I’m doing,” Trotz said. Trotz then pointed out that he is still growing into this role. “Like a player, I am surrounded by good people. I’ve got good advisors. But I’m still young at this. I don’t have 40 years of being a general manager.”
Trotz guided the Predators through the early expansion years, pushing them to 110 points in 2006–07, earning league-wide respect, and coaching over 1,100 games with the franchise. After Nashville, he lifted the Stanley Cup with Washington in 2018 and brought structure to the Islanders before moving back to Tennessee in a new capacity.
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Despite all that experience, he remains firm that his place is no longer on the bench. The Predators hired him to rebuild the roster, and he is going to focus on that for now. Andrew Brunette is the head coach, and Trotz intends to support him, not replace him.
As Nashville prepares to face a dominant Colorado team with a 14-1-5 record, the challenge ahead is clear. Filip Forsberg continues to lead the way, Luke Evangelista helps drive play, and Juuse Saros keeps battling through demanding nights, but the margin remains thin. The Avalanche arrive in full stride, and Nashville will need composure and execution to push back.