Relationships Were Key in Brunette Hire
The relationships between David Poile, Barry Trotz, and Andrew Brunette come full circle as the Predators announce Brunette as the new head coach of the franchise.
Relationships Were Key in Brunette HireDavid Poile and Barry Trotz officially welcomed the fourth head coach in Nashville Predators history, Andrew Brunette during a press conference Wednesday afternoon. Incoming GM Barry Trotz opened the press conference by sharing his feelings about the new hire.
"I'm extremely excited for myself, the organization, the players, and our fans," Trotz said. "I've gotten to know Andrew well both personally and professionally during our 31 year relationship."
The long history between David Poile, Barry Trotz, and Andrew Brunette was an important theme as the new head coach was introduced to the Nashville Predators fan base today.
Brunette was drafted in the seventh round of the 1993 draft by then Washington Capitals GM David Poile.
"Thirty years ago Mr. Poile drafted me, a chubby kid coming out of junior hockey and gave me an opportunity to be a Washington Capital," Brunette reflected.
Brunette played in the ECHL and AHL after being drafted. In 1994 Brunette and then Coach of the AHL Portland Pirates Barry Trotz won the Calder Cup.
"Being with Barry, learning to be a pro and all our good times and bad times went together and really carved the kind of player I was and the person I was," Brunette shared.
Poile selected the 6'1" winger once again in 1998 in the Nashville Predators expansion draft where he played one season and scored the inaugural goal for the franchise. When asked about that moment in hockey history, Brunette had to laugh.
"Kind of like everything I did, it was slow," he joked. "Obviously one of the biggest highlights of my career."
After one season with Predators General Manager Poile and head coach Trotz, Brunette went on to play for four other NHL organizations including the Atlanta Thrashers, Minnesota Wild, Colorado Avalanche, and Chicago Blackhawks.
When his playing days ended, Brunette built his resume as an assistant coach and assistant general manager for the Wild before joining the Florida Panthers as an assistant coach in 2019. After the resignation of head coach Joel Quenneville, Brunette was named interim head coach and led the Panthers to the Presidents Trophy and was named a Jack Adams finalist. He spent last season as an assistant coach for the New Jersey Devils.
Brunette's resume is intriguing all on its own for an up and coming coach in the NHL, but this hire seemed to be very influenced by the relationship between Brunette and Trotz and the connection with David Poile as well.
"I'm so excited to be here, to be with these people," Brunette said. "The game has connected a lot of us, and when you have an opportunity to be with people that care about you and that have been there through all the ups and downs of your life - it's a no brainer."
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