"It's fantasy": NHL analyst shoots down Barry Trotz's comment regarding Nashville Predators' future

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Nov 07, 2024 15:50 GMT

The Nashville Predators (4-8-1) have had an up-and-down start to the season. Early in the season, they won games against the Avalanche, Blue Jackets, Blackhawks, and Bruins. However, they also lost to the Capitals, Kings, Oilers, Red Wings, Kraken, Lightning, and Stars. This inconsistency clearly shows the challenge Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz is dealing with.

On Wednesday, TSN's NHL analyst Bryan Hayes questioned Trotz’s mention of a possible rebuild. Trotz suggested that if the season doesn’t improve, a rebuild could be considered.

"(if) you don’t get it going then I’m going to start our rebuild plan a little bit," Trotz said.

Despite having star players like Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei, the team hasn't found consistent success. Hayes pointed out that Trotz's recent signings add financial commitments to a roster already focused on core players like Roman Josi, Juuse Saros, and Ryan O'Reilly.

Hayes, however, called Trotz's idea "fantasy," saying it wouldn't be easy with so many players on long-term contracts. He also pointed out how this situation could affect head coach Andrew Brunette. In the NHL, where the salary cap limits roster changes, struggling teams often put pressure on the coach instead. If the Nashville Predators' mixed performances continue, Brunette could be on the hot seat as Trotz looks for solutions.

"I think that's fantasy, quite frankly... The idea of being able to rebuild when you've locked in all these guys in a salary cap world is a fantasy," Hayes told SC's Jay Onrait during the "Harvey's Hot Takes" segment.

"I’m rooting for this because it’s so chaotic. It would go against the grain of every GM in the NHL.... But I don’t know if he’s a great GM... The idea that they’re going to start rebuilding, it simply can’t happen. They’ve got to find a way to figure this out," Hayes said.

Hayes suggested that Trotz’s dual role as GM and former coach might also complicate things. He compared Trotz to Brad Stevens, a former NBA coach who found success in a front-office role with the Boston Celtics.

Hayes wondered if Trotz could make a similar transition or if Nashville Predators ownership might ask him to return to coaching if the season doesn’t improve. He also said Trotz might have to work with the roster as it is, instead of hoping for a “fantasy” fix.

Nashville Predators fall short to Capitals despite strong effort

The Nashville Predators lost 3-2 to the Washington Capitals, despite their strong effort throughout the game. Juuso Parssinen opened the scoring for Nashville in the first period, tipping in Luke Evangelista’s shot. The Capitals quickly responded with a goal by Connor McMichael, tying the game.

In the second period, Aliaksei Protas put Washington ahead, but Steven Stamkos tied it 31 seconds later, redirecting Alexandre Carrier’s shot.

Midway through the third period, Alex Ovechkin scored the game-winning goal on a one-timer from the right circle. Nashville coach Andrew Brunette said after the game:

“You knew it was coming,” Brunette said. “You're on the bench and I guess I've seen him too many times. I've played against him, I've coached against him, I've watched him, and he just finds that, and when it's on his stick it's gone. That's a big-time shot from obviously arguably the greatest goal-scorer of all time."

Marc Del Gaizo seemed to tie it again for Nashville, but the goal was disallowed due to goaltender interference.

Goalie Logan Thompson made a critical save on Filip Forsberg’s last-second attempt, sealing the win for Washington. Despite the tough loss, Brunette felt Nashville’s play was a step forward.