Throughout a current episode of The FAN Hockey Show, Matt Marchese, Mike Futa, and Elliotte Friedman mentioned the struggling Nashville Predators, questioning whether or not a training change involving Andrew Brunette is perhaps on the horizon. They speculated on the potential for Barry Trotz—at present Nashville’s GM—taking up as head coach to get a firsthand sense of the workforce’s points.
Friedman’s insights supplied a compelling look into Trotz’s mindset, Brunette’s challenges, and the Predators’ struggles this season.
The Predators’ Offensive Struggles
Nashville’s scoring woes have been evident. As Friedman identified, the workforce scored two or fewer objectives in 29 video games final season. Alarmingly, they’ve already matched that tempo this 12 months, with 19 low-scoring video games of their first 28. Lately, Steven Stamkos referred to as out his teammates for his or her work ethic.
Friedman famous that such poor offensive outcomes naturally result in scrutiny of the coach. Nonetheless, he argued that the blame shouldn’t relaxation solely on Andrew Brunette. As an alternative, he emphasised that Brunette didn’t immediately overlook how one can coach after successful the NHL’s Coach of the 12 months award in a earlier season.
Barry Trotz’s Perspective because the Predators GM
Friedman make clear Trotz’s reluctance to make Brunette a scapegoat, stating:
“Barry Trotz has coached, so he’s sympathetic to the particular person behind the bench. He is aware of the challenges Brunette is dealing with.”
Now answerable for the roster, Trotz appears to acknowledge that the workforce’s struggles are as a lot about personnel as teaching. The Predators’ lineup options redundancies—gamers like Jonathan Marchessault and Steven Stamkos have overlapping talent units—and evident holes, notably on the middle, the place Ryan O’Reilly is sidelined.
Might Trotz Coach the Crew He Constructed?
Regardless of his reluctance, Friedman urged that if outcomes don’t enhance, Trotz may step behind the bench briefly:
“If this continues, Trotz may have to get behind the bench with the groceries he purchased, only for the remainder of the season.”
This potential transfer mirrors Lou Lamoriello’s previous selections, the place a basic supervisor briefly coached to guage the workforce higher. Trotz’s intimate information of the roster might permit him to establish what works, what doesn’t, and what adjustments are wanted shifting ahead. The query is whether or not Trotz ought to do it or not.
Is This the Begin of a Teaching Transfer in Nashville?
Mike Futa supported Friedman’s notion. He added that Trotz may use a hands-on teaching stint as a diagnostic device quite than a long-term resolution:
“He might step behind the bench, see firsthand what works, after which step apart to herald somebody new.”
Such a technique may benefit Nashville, permitting Trotz to evaluate the workforce extra successfully whereas planning for future changes.
The Backside Line: A Daring Transfer for the Predators?
Whereas Trotz’s potential return to teaching the Predators may appear unconventional, it aligns together with his dedication to accountability and outcomes. If Nashville’s struggles persist, what subsequent? Might a daring, short-term resolution be wanted to stabilize the workforce and set it on a greater course?
Whether or not Trotz decides to step behind the bench stays to be seen, however one factor is obvious. The Predators are at a crossroads, and decisive motion—on or off the ice—will form their season.
It stays to be seen what steps behind the bench the Predators will take, however one factor is obvious: they’re at a crossroads, and decisive motion—on or off the ice—will form their season.
Associated: Dejected Marchessault Calls Out Predators’ Communication Points
