Frustrating campaign continues as Andrew Brunette remains as Predators' coach
Stumbling Predators Keep Coach Brunette Despite Brutal Season
The Nashville Predators, missing the postseason with a mere 68 points, find themselves in an unprecedented predicament after a hefty offseason spend on Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei. As the third-worst record in the league looms over them, their storied coach, Barry Trotz, remains faithful to the helm.
According to Nick Kieser of Lower Broad Hockey, Trotz, a Predators legend now donning the GM mantle, is determined to ride out the storm with coach Andrew Brunette at the helm. Kieser reported on Monday that Trotz believes Brunette will work tirelessly to find a solution despite their underwhelming season.
Trotz's rapid spending spree following the team's playoff appearance the previous year couldn't strike the right chord. The Predators struggled to recapture last season's magic, as Juuse Saros's numbers plummeted dramatically.
Brunette, hired in the offseason prior, had a solid debut, guiding the team to a 47-win season and playoff appearances with low expectations, thanks to a monumental 18-game point streak in February 2025. However, luck deserted them in the present campaign, starting off 0-5 and enduring a 0-5-3 November stretch. They even suffered two 0-6-0 losses throughout the season. The Predators' excessive reliance on streaks, whether positive or negative, has left them unable to compete consistently.
Rumors swirled about a potential coaching change, with the ninth team already opting to replace their coach this offseason. Yet, Trotz chose to stand by Brunette, bypassing the opportunity to make a play for Mike Sullivan, who led the Penguins to two Stanley Cups. With Sullivan already committed to the Rangers, Trotz opted to stick with Brunette.
The Predators could face a major shift as they possess an 11.5% chance of winning the Draft Lottery, with the results set to be announced on Monday.
Enrichment Insights:- Despite their disappointing 30-44-8 record, the Predators organization remains optimistic about Brunette's potential, having received a Jack Adams Award nomination and multiple first-round draft picks in the offing.- Trotz and the organization believe Brunette is the right person to lead the team, acknowledging that he needs further coaching development but a steady hand to navigate their ongoing rebuild strategy emphasizing youth and future draft capital.
- In the turbulent NHL landscape, the Predators, despite their dismal odds of 30-44-8 this season, find themselves weighing the betting odds on coach Andy Brunette's ability to turn things around during the playoffs.
- Given the unsuccessful tenure of Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei, Barry Trotz, the Predators' newly appointed GM, is banking on Brunette to draft a new strategy, relying on his demonstrated ability to guide the team to a 47-win season and playoff appearances.
- As the NHL playoffs approach, the Predators, in the midst of an underwhelming season, are keen on sticking with the coaching duo of Trotz and Brunette, hoping that their shared expertise in sports, particularly hockey, will usher in a new era for the franchise in the National Hockey League.
