Predators GM Barry Trotz announces retirement

Field Level Media|published: Mon 2nd February, 14:02 2026

Oct 14, 2021; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; New York Islanders head coach Barry Trotz walks off the ice after the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

Barry Trotz is set to retire as general manager of the Nashville Predators but will remain with the team as an adviser.

The former Stanley Cup-winning head coach will continue as GM until a successor is found, he said Monday.

"After working for 40 years in professional sports and 26 years in the National Hockey League, including the past three as the general manager of the Nashville Predators, I told (owner) Bill Haslam in December that I would be stepping away at the conclusion of my contract at the end of the 2026-27 season," Trotz said.

"After some discussion, we elected to begin a search for my replacement now, but I am happy to work in my current role until we make a new hire, however long that might be."

Trotz, 63, was hired on Feb. 27, 2023, and officially replaced longtime general manager David Poile on July 1 of that year.

The Predators made the playoffs in Trotz's first season as GM at 47-30-5 in 2023-24 but lost in the first round.

Nashville then spent $100 million in free agency in the summer of 2024, signing Stanley Cup winners Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault and defenseman Brady Skjei, but the following season was a massive disappointment, with the Predators finishing 30th in the league at 30-44-8.

Nashville entered Monday at 25-23-6 and four points out of a wild-card spot in the Western Conference.

Trotz previously served as head coach of the Predators from their inception in 1998 through 2014. He also coached the Washington Capitals (2014-18) and New York Islanders (2018-22). He led the Capitals to the 2018 Stanley Cup and ranks fifth all-time in the league in both games (1,812) and wins (914).

--Field Level Media

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