Nashville Predators General Manager Barry Trotz has openly expressed his frustration with his team’s lackluster performance and minimal scoring, stressing the need for improvement from the players rather than shifting blame onto the coaching staff. Sitting in a suite at Bridgestone Arena, surrounded by accolades of captain Roman Josi, Trotz made it clear that he expected more from his players.
“The confusing thing, the frustrating thing for everyone, is that we just don’t score,” Trotz stated, highlighting the roster’s potential, which includes talent like Filip Forsberg and Steven Stamkos. Last season, the Predators finished 30th in scoring with an average of 2.59 goals per game, and this year hasn’t fared much better, sitting at just 2.29 goals per game, placing them 31st in the league.
The team currently ranks eighth in the Central Division with a record of 6-11-4 as of November 23, and rumors have circulated about potential coaching changes. Trotz, however, has firmly sided with head coach Andrew Brunette, asserting that the current coaching staff is working hard and emphasizing that coaching changes are not the solution to motivating the players.
Trotz pointed out that while firing a coach can sometimes yield a temporary boost, it ultimately shifts responsibility away from the players. He believes in creating accountability and fostering a sense of partnership in addressing the issues at hand. Reflecting on past experiences, Trotz recalled how he motivated his players in a previous season by cancelling an anticipated trip, which sparked an impressive points streak and a playoff push.
While he does not plan to return to a coaching role, Trotz remains engaged and has offered advice to his team, particularly veterans like Jonathan Marchessault and Stamkos, urging them to adapt their playstyles to create more scoring opportunities.
If the Predators continue to struggle, Trotz acknowledges that tough decisions may be necessary, emphasizing a shared responsibility among the general management, coaching staff, and players. Despite the challenges, Trotz remains hopeful that with increased effort and strategic adjustments, the team can find its way back to the winning path.