A huge shakeup in the Nashville Predators front office will likely affect head coach John Hynes' future with the organization as well.
Hockey insider Elliotte Friedman broke the news that Nashville Predators General Manager David Poile will be retiring effective June 30 and will be replaced by Barry Trotz. It is reported that Trotz will begin working with the organization immediately and that Poile will serve in a consulting role after retiring.
After a tenuous season that started with a roster that appeared on paper to be a playoff contending lineup, the Predators now find themselves outside the playoffs with a slim chance of earning a wildcard spot. On Saturday, Nashville traded Nino Niederreiter to division rival Winnipeg Jets in return for a second round pick in the 2024 draft. After the injury to Ryan Johansen in the game against the Vancouver Canucks on February 21, his subsequent surgery, and the announcement he would miss approximately 12 weeks, it seems Nashville's chances for a late playoff push may be diminishing. With five days remaining until the trade deadline, it isn't out of the question that the Predators make more moves.
With the announcement that David Poile is retiring effective June 30 and his likely replacement Barry Trotz will be involved immediately, what does this mean for head coach John Hynes?
Hynes signed a two year contract extension in May of 2022, but with the dramatic changes underway in Nashville, this may be his final season coaching the Predators. Hynes has been on the hot seat among a large portion of the fan base, and with new leadership coming in, expect Trotz to select a new coaching staff. Perhaps the bigger question is when a coaching change could happen.
If leadership has accepted that the franchise is heading in a different direction in the near (and perhaps longer term than fans anticipate) future, it makes sense to let John Hynes finish out the season. The offseason inevitably brings a larger pool of available coaching possibilities. But if Barry Trotz is going to be involved effective immediately and has someone in mind, there is also a chance he and Poile could pull the trigger on a coaching move and get a jump start working with the core players who are unlikely to be moved due to trade-unfriendly contracts.
What are the chances Hynes remains with Nashville through his contract extension? That seems the least likely scenario with changes underway already in the front office. With a new chapter beginning in Smashville, fans should expect to see new faces behind the bench when the 2023-2024 season begins.
Related Reading:
Breaking: GM David Poile Retiring, Barry Trotz to Become Next General Manager
Nashville Predators Trade: Nino Niederreiter to Winnipeg Jets