Poile to retire as GM of Predators in June, Trotz to take over

David Poile is stepping down as Nashville Predators general manager and president of hockey operations as of June 30, making way for former head coach Barry Trotz to take over, the team announced Sunday.

Poile has been Nashville's general manager since it was awarded an expansion franchise in 1997. He oversaw 15 playoff appearances and a trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 2017.

Earlier this season, Poile became the first GM to be in charge for 3,000 games. Before he joined the Predators, the 73-year-old held the position in Washington for 15 years.

Poile is expected to remain in Nashville's front office in a consultant role.

"This is a decision that is best for me personally and best for the Nashville Predators," Poile said. "For the Predators, I believe it is time for a new voice and a new direction. I am proud of the foundation we have put in place in our hockey operations, investing in and improving every area of the department. This is the right time for someone else to move our franchise forward."

Trotz has been out of the league since he was surprisingly let go by the New York Islanders last May. He interviewed for multiple head coach vacancies this past offseason but ultimately decided to take more time weighing his options.

The 60-year-old was the first head coach in Predators history and held his post until 2014. From there, Trotz joined the Capitals, where he won a Jack Adams Award in 2015-16 and a Stanley Cup in 2018.

He won another Jack Adams with the Islanders in 2019.

The Predators have made the postseason in eight consecutive years but are entering a transitional period. Nashville is essentially out of the Western Conference playoff race and is reportedly "open for business" leading up to the March 3 trade deadline.

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