Predators GM Barry Trotz delivers unfiltered response to Nashville's 'rebuild' rumors

Modified Dec 20, 2024 19:08 GMT

The Nashville Predators have had a disastrous 2024-2025 campaign start. After signing big-name players Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei, in the offseason, the Predators seemed like a lock for the playoffs. This makes it even more stunning that they currently sit in last place in the entire NHL with a record of 9-17-7 (25 points).

General manager Barry Trotz voiced his displeasure. He made comments earlier in the season about the potential of a rebuild should the Predators not turn things around quickly. This sparked plenty of speculation and chatter around the league at the time.

In a conversation with Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, Trotz cleared the air on his rebuild comments.

"It’s not a rebuild,” Trotz said. “I’m not in the business of not winning. I’m in the business of trying to win. We’re not selling off. We are resetting. We know where we are. It’s not where we thought we would be. But we want to move forward.”

He commented on his recent trade sending defenseman Alexandre Carrier to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for defenseman Justin Barron.

“I had tried to get Justin from the Canadiens last year,” Trotz said. “I just felt that we needed a right-shot who was age-appropriate. We needed a little more size. I know he’s got some warts, but I don’t know a player who does not have warts.

"We’ve been very good at developing defensemen and so I just felt he was getting underplayed there a little bit,” Trotz added. “Hopefully with his age and talent, we can get a decent player out of that.”

Predators will continue to make changes to the roster

Barry Trotz has not been afraid to shake up his roster as the results have been disappointing. Forward Philip Tomasino, goaltender Scott Wedgewood, and defenseman Alexandre Carrier have all departed Nashville in the last month.

According to Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli, this is just the start for Trotz and the Predators.

"Nashville is up to something, there was a time and reason to do it today. Maybe later on if Nashville moved Carrier somewhere else, they don't end up moving on from Barron in exchange for a proven commodity,'" Seravalli said.

He was then asked about the potential for a follow-up move from the Preds.

"Well yeah they're gonna do something, I just, It's a matter of when," Seravalli added.

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Interesting times in Nashville to say the least.