The Nashville Predators plan to proceed with head coach Andrew Brunette behind the bench, general manager Barry Trotz announced on Monday.
Trotz’s words came on the heels of the Predators following up a busy offseason of signings with a dismal performance in 2024-25.
“Andrew Brunette, to me, is a good young coach. That’s why I hired him. He’s a good young coach. Had a tough situation this year in terms of our team, maybe our make-up, how we came together or didn’t come together,” Trotz said Monday.
“Good young people when you believe in them, just like a good young player, you stick with them.”
The Predators limped to a 30-44-8 record (68 points) despite signing free agents Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and defenseman Brady Skjei.
That came one season after Nashville posted a 47-30-5 mark (99 points) in 2023-24 and made the playoffs.
Brunette, 51, owns a 128-92-19 coaching record with the Florida Panthers (2021-22) and Predators. He was a finalist for the 2024 Jack Adams Award.
Brunette recorded 733 points (268 goals and 465 assists) in 1,110 career games with the Washington Capitals (1995-98), Predators (1999), Atlanta Thrashers (1999-2001), Minnesota Wild (2001-04, 2008-11), Colorado Avalanche (2005-08) and Chicago Blackhawks (2011-12).
–Field Level Media
