The Nashville Predators have made a significant change within their organization, hiring Andrew Brunette as their fourth coach. Brunette replaces John Hynes, who was fired after four seasons with the team.
Barry Trotz, the incoming Predators GM, made Brunette his first coaching hire. This move signals a full circle for the team, as Brunette played for the Predators during the 2011-2012 season, which was Trotz’s final season as head coach.
Brunette, 47, is a former NHL left-winger who played 16 seasons in the league. He has worked as an assistant coach with the Minnesota Wild, Colorado Avalanche, and Florida Panthers. Brunette spent the 2020-2021 season as the Panthers’ co-coach with Paul McFarland.
Trotz, who won the Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals in 2018, took over as Predators GM earlier this month. He immediately began the search for a new coach after firing Hynes.
Hynes, who had a 121-100-27 record with the Predators, was fired on May 4, 2021, after the team failed to make the playoffs. The decision to fire Hynes was made by Predators CEO Sean Henry and President of Hockey Operations/GM David Poile.
After Hynes was fired, the Rangers were given permission to interview him for their coaching vacancy. Hynes previously worked for the Rangers organization as an assistant coach.
The Predators have missed the playoffs four out of the last five seasons. They made it to the Stanley Cup Final in 2017 but lost in six games to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
With the hiring of Brunette, the Predators hope to get back on track and contend for the Stanley Cup once again. Brunette’s experience as a player and coach will be valuable to the team as they look to turn things around.
In summary, the Nashville Predators have hired Andrew Brunette as their new head coach, replacing John Hynes, who was fired in May. This move was made by new GM Barry Trotz, who worked with Brunette during his playing days with the Predators. The Predators hope that Brunette’s experience as a player and coach will help them get back to the playoffs and contend for the Stanley Cup.
