What’s Next for the Predators? Barry Trotz to Step Down as GM, Search for Successor Underway
There’s a new chapter coming in Nashville - and it starts at the top. Barry Trotz, the architect behind the Predators’ front office since taking over as general manager, is preparing to step down from the role. While he’s not disappearing from the organization just yet, the team is officially on the hunt for a full-time GM to take the reins.
Trotz will remain in place during the transition, helping guide the process as the Predators search for the right voice to lead hockey operations into the future. It’s a pivotal moment for a franchise that’s trying to turn the corner after a tough 2024-25 campaign but has shown signs of life this season, fighting their way back into playoff contention.
So, what’s the plan?
According to league insiders, Nashville has brought in CAA - one of the major agencies in hockey circles - to assist in the search. That signals a serious, wide-ranging approach. Trotz, with his deep ties and knowledge of the game, is expected to stay involved in the process, but the Predators are casting a broad net.
The timing, though, is tricky. Midseason GM changes are rare for a reason - most teams aren’t eager to let key front office personnel walk out the door during the grind of the regular season. That’s why this decision may not come to a head until after the trade deadline, or even into the summer around the NHL Draft, when the calendar naturally opens up for front office movement.
There are already a few names floating around as potential candidates. Among them: Rich Peverley, a former NHLer who’s been steadily climbing the executive ladder; Mark Yannetti, a respected talent evaluator with a strong track record in scouting and development; and Chris Pronger, whose Hall of Fame playing career and post-retirement involvement in hockey circles make him an intriguing option.
But don’t be surprised if more names surface in the coming weeks. This is a high-profile opening, and Nashville’s front office structure is still taking shape.
One wrinkle to keep an eye on: could the Predators split the job between a president of hockey operations and a general manager? That’s a model we’ve seen in other organizations, and it’s one that might appeal to someone like Brendan Shanahan. The former Maple Leafs president isn’t believed to be interested in a GM or assistant GM role, but he reportedly expressed interest earlier this season in a potential president-level position if Nashville were to go that route.
For now, Trotz remains in control through the trade deadline - and that’s no small detail. With the Predators still in the playoff hunt, the moves made over the next few weeks could shape the roster for the rest of the season and beyond.
But once the dust settles, the focus will shift to the big picture: who’s going to lead this franchise into its next era? The answer isn’t here yet, but the search is officially on.