Barry Trotz is stepping away from his role as General Manager of the Nashville Predators-but not just yet. On Monday, the organization announced that Trotz will remain in the GM chair until a successor is found, at which point he’ll shift into an advisory role through the end of the 2026-27 season. The plan is to have a new general manager in place before the NHL Draft in June, giving the franchise a runway to make a smooth transition.
But this isn’t your typical front-office departure. Trotz isn’t being shown the door, nor is he rushing for the exit.
Instead, he’s helping guide the process-both in terms of identifying his replacement and navigating the critical stretch leading up to the trade deadline. That’s right: Trotz will still be calling the shots on roster moves in the weeks ahead, even as he helps choose who will take over his job.
It’s a rare dynamic, but one that speaks volumes about the trust and respect between Trotz and the Predators’ ownership.
This move has been in motion for a while. According to reports, conversations between Trotz and team owner Bill Haslam began back in December.
That timing coincided with Nick Saban becoming a minority owner of the Predators, marking a period of deeper organizational introspection. Haslam, still relatively new to the NHL ownership scene, reportedly spent time digging into how the league operates-how successful front offices are structured, how decisions get made, and what it takes to build a perennial contender.
Those conversations between Haslam and Trotz weren’t about friction-they were about vision. Two leaders looking at the future of the franchise and realizing that a new voice might be needed to take the next step.
Trotz, ever the team-first guy, acknowledged that he wasn’t planning to stick around long-term. Haslam, for his part, recognized the value Trotz still brings in the short term.
So, they landed on a plan that allows for continuity now while preparing for the next chapter.
Trotz made it clear in Monday’s press conference: he’ll honor his contract and stay involved through the transition. But the Predators are preparing to evolve.
And that’s not a knock on Trotz-it’s a reflection of the natural cycle of leadership in pro sports. Trotz has been synonymous with Nashville hockey from the beginning.
He was the franchise’s first head coach and remains its winningest. His fingerprints are all over the team’s identity and culture.
But even legends know when it’s time to pass the baton.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a front office figure stay on to help guide a transition. Just last offseason, the Edmonton Oilers leaned on President Jeff Jackson to lead free agency after GM Ken Holland wasn’t retained. It’s unconventional, but when done right, it offers stability during a critical stretch.
And make no mistake-Trotz isn’t mailing it in. Those around the team believe he’s fully committed to doing what’s best for the organization, not himself.
That’s a big reason why Haslam is comfortable with him continuing to lead operations while the GM search unfolds. There’s a deep level of trust here.
In a business where self-preservation often takes over in times of transition, Trotz is taking the opposite approach-making decisions with the long-term health of the franchise in mind.
It’s not just the end of a chapter-it’s a carefully orchestrated handoff. Trotz may have seen the writing on the wall, but he’s choosing to help write the next part of the story. That’s the mark of a leader who truly cares about the legacy he leaves behind.
Now, all eyes turn to what comes next. The Predators’ search for a new GM will shape the direction of the franchise for years to come. But with Trotz still in the building and helping steer the ship, Nashville fans can feel confident that the foundation remains strong-even as the next era begins.