Barry Trotz, the Nashville Predators' general manager, has announced his intention to retire at the end of his contract in 2026-27, citing a desire to spend more time with his family after 40 years in professional sports. He will remain in the role until a successor is found and then serve as an advisor. The move comes as the Predators chase a playoff spot, four points out of a wild card position in the Western Conference.
On February 2, 2026, Barry Trotz informed Nashville Predators ownership of his plan to step down as general manager, a position he assumed on July 1, 2023, succeeding David Poile, the franchise's inaugural GM. Trotz, who was the Predators' first head coach from 1997 to 2014, returned to the organization after leading the Washington Capitals to the 2018 Stanley Cup and coaching the New York Islanders. During his tenure as GM, he modernized hockey operations, bolstered the prospect pool—evidenced by seven participants at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship—and oversaw facility upgrades at Bridgestone Arena.
The Predators, currently holding a 25-23-6 record and fifth in the Central Division, trail the Los Angeles Kings by four points for the second wild card spot entering their game against the St. Louis Blues. In his first season as GM (2023-24), Nashville made the playoffs but lost in six games to the Vancouver Canucks. The 2024-25 season was dismal, finishing 30th with a 30-44-8 mark, despite signing forwards Steven Stamkos to a four-year, $8 million AAV deal and Jonathan Marchessault to a five-year, $5.5 million AAV contract. This season began poorly at 6-12-4, prompting Trotz to defend coach Andrew Brunette and criticize player performance, but the team has since gone 19-11-2, improving to 25th in goals per game (2.83) and 27th in goals against (3.39).
Trotz emphasized family priorities in his announcement: "You can't be present in your job and you can't be present at home. I just felt there's an end date." He dispelled rumors, confirming he is healthy and not returning to coaching. Owner Bill Haslam hopes to name a new GM before the 2026 NHL Draft on June 26-27, with Creative Artists Agency leading the search. Internal candidates include assistant GMs Jeff Kealty, Scott Nichol, and Brian Poile. Trotz will oversee the March 6 trade deadline, stating, "Everything is on the table," as the team evaluates options amid a playoff push and upcoming Olympic break.
Predators captain Roman Josi expressed surprise but affirmed focus on the playoffs: "For us, we've got a game tonight, so we're focused on the game tonight." The change impacts Swedish stars like Filip Forsberg, who will enter the season's end with new leadership. Haslam praised Trotz's integrity, noting the process allows transparency without rushing decisions.
