Barry Trotz announces retirement, stepping down as Predators’ GM

Barry Trotz is retiring from his role as general manager of the Nashville Predators.

The announcement was made at Bridgestone Arena on Feb. 2, alongside CEO Sean Henry and majority owner Bill Haslam.

Haslam indicated the search for the new general manager would begin immediately and that Trotz would assist in the search through the end of his contract in 2026-27.

Trotz, 63, took over as general manager in 2023 after the retirement of David Poile. Trotz was the first coach in Predators history, coaching from 1998 until 2014, then become the team’s second ever general manager in 2023.

When Trotz took the job, he made a flurry of changes in an attempt to change the locker room culture.

Matt Duchene’s contract was bought out, Ryan Johansen was traded to Colorado, and the team signed center Ryan O’Reilly. The moves worked to transition the team away from the previous core and into a new look.

But many moves by Trotz came under heavy scrutiny. The decision not to sell Alex Carrier at the deadline in 2024, then sign him over the summer, then trade him just two months into the next season. The decision to sign Juuse Saros to an eight-year contract, instead of transitioning to Yaroslav Askarov in net. Losing Dante Fabbro in waivers to Columbus. Trading Luke Schenn to the Penguins for a third round pick, then seeing the Penguins immediately flip him for a second round pick. It was hard to find wins among the many apparent losses.

The timing of this decision sets up a challenging rest of the season. With the Predators’ record at 25-23-6 (56 points) and four points out of the final wild card spot, they are within striking distance of the playoffs. But in the ultra competitive Western Conference, their chances of a deep playoff run are slim. Trotz has indicated he’s been willing to listen to offers on players like O’Reilly, Michael McCarron, and Michael Bunting at the trade deadline, which is on March 6.

Coach Andrew Brunette told media that he was shocked to hear the news.

‘I was surprised as everybody else,’ Brunette told reporters at Bridgestone Arena on Feb. 2. ‘I wasn’t expecting that today.’

As the team looks for its next general manager, it will be worth noting if they keep with tradition and stay within the ‘Predators family’ or if they look outside of the organization.

Alex Daugherty is the Predators beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Alex atjdaugherty@gannett.com. Follow Alex on X, the platform formerly called Twitter, @alexdaugherty1. Also check out our Predators exclusive Instagram page @tennessean_preds.