More than two weeks after the conclusion of the 2024-25 regular season, general manager Barry Trotz finally confirmed that Andrew Brunette will return as head coach of the Nashville Predators in 2025-26.

Speaking to the media at Bridgestone Arena on May 5, Trotz expressed faith in Brunette – whom he hired prior to the 2023-24 season despite still having John Hynes under contract for one more year – to turn things around after a disappointing 30-44-8 record and a seventh-place finish in the Central Division this year.

"(Brunette) is a good, young coach," Trotz said. "He had a tough situation this year. But like a good, young player, you have to stick with a good, young coach."

In his first season behind the Predators' bench, Brunette led Nashville to a 47-30-5 finish and a playoff berth en route to being named a finalist for the 2024 Jack Adams Award, given annually to the league's coach of the year.

He could not replicate that success in his second season, however, even with the offseason additions of Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault. Despite the offensive upgrades, Nashville ranked 31st in goals per game (2.59) and remained in the basement of the Western Conference for most of the season.

Trotz added that Brunette still has "tools he needs to add to his tool belt" and acknowledged that adjustments will need to be made to his coaching style next season, but he reaffirmed his faith in his head coach to right the ship in Nashville.