Trotz to step down as Predators GM

Barry Trotz is stepping down as Nashville Predators general manager, he announced 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 in a statement obtained by team reporter Brooks Bratten.

He continued, "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, who took over the job in 2023, made a huge splash in July 2024 by signing Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei. However, the Predators missed the postseason last year and sit four points out of a playoff spot this season.

During a press conference, Trotz said he's healthy and isn't stepping down to get back into coaching, according to Bratten.

Trotz coached the Predators from 1998-2014 before stints with the Washington Capitals and New York Islanders. He led the Capitals to the Stanley Cup in 2018 and won two Jack Adams Awards after leaving Nashville.

The 63-year-old was the second general manager in Predators history. He took over for Hockey Hall of Famer David Poile, who'd overseen the organization since its inception in 1997.