It's a small world in the Central Division as the Nashville Predators [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators] announced on Tuesday that they had hired former Chicago Blackhawks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks] head coach Luke Richardson as an assistant coach. He replaces Todd Richards [https://x.com/PredsNHL/status/1937554431303921713], who will not be returning to the Predators staff this coming season. Richards had been with the Predators since 2020, originally hired onto John Hynes' staff. Hynes was fired in 2023, and Andrew Brunette [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/did-predators-head-coach-andrew-brunette-add-tools-from-iihf-world-championship-that-barry-trotz-wanted] was named the Predators' head coach the same year. "Luke [Richardson] brings a wealth of NHL experience as both a player and coach to our staff, and we are excited to welcome him and his family to the organization," Predators general manager Barry Trotz said in a press release. "With that experience, we believe he will be a valuable new voice and set of eyes - not just for our defensemen, but for our coaching staff." "His strong character, leadership, perspective as a former NHL head coach, and ability to connect with both young and veteran players will elevate our team on and off the ice." Richardson spent the previous three seasons with the Blackhawks, posting a 57-118-15 record over 190 games as head coach. He was fired 26 games into the 2024-25 season after a 8-16-2 start by the Blackhawks. Prior to his time in Chicago, he was an assistant coach for the Montreal Canadiens from 2018 to 2022, which included a run to the 2021 Stanley Cup Final. Richardson also served as an assistant coach for the New York Islanders during the 2017-18 season. Along with praising Richardson's experience as a strong defensive-minded coach, Trotz believes that Richardson will bring a "different perspective" not just to the Predators' defensemen, but the team as a whole. With the NHL Draft commencing on Friday [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/nashville-predators-to-pick-at-no-5-in-2024-nhl-draft-order] and Richardson working with a younger corps in Chicago, the Predators may look to build and capitalize on a younger roster. The Predators have nine picks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/nhl-announces-predators-9-picks-for-upcoming-nhl-draft] in the upcoming draft in the following order: fifth (first round), 23rd (first round), 26th (first round), 35th (second round), 55th (second round), 67th (third round), 131st (fifth round), 163rd (sixth round) and 182nd (sixth round).
