Barry Trotz Hired as First Head Coach

Lore & Background

When the Nashville Predators were awarded an NHL expansion franchise in 1997, general manager David Poile needed a coach who could mold a roster of castoffs, rookies, and veterans into a competitive team. He found that coach in Barry Trotz, then a 35-year-old with no NHL head-coaching experience but a deep resume in the minor leagues, including a Calder Cup championship with the Portland Pirates. Trotz's hiring was a gamble—he was young, unproven at the highest level, and tasked with building a culture from nothing. But Poile saw in Trotz a relentless work ethic and a tactical mind that could thrive in a nontraditional hockey market. Trotz immediately instilled a system based on shot-blocking, neutral-zone traps, and relentless forechecking—a style that frustrated opponents and kept games close despite a talent disadvantage. His first team in 1998–99 won 28 games, a strong showing for an expansion club, and the Predators became known as a tough, disciplined opponent. Over 15 seasons, Trotz became the longest-tenured coach in Predators history, leading the team to seven playoff appearances and its first two playoff series wins in 2011 and 2012.

Reader's Guide

Barry Trotz's hiring marked the beginning of the Nashville Predators' founding era, a period defined by building from scratch. With no established stars, Trotz relied on a system that emphasized defense, shot-blocking, and team sacrifice. Players like Kimmo Timonen, Tomas Vokoun, and Scott Hartnell became the faces of this gritty approach. The team's early home, the Nashville Arena (later Bridgestone Arena), was filled with fans who embraced the underdog spirit. Trotz's tenure established the Predators as a perennial tough opponent, even when they lacked offensive firepower. His coaching tree—which includes assistants like Peter Horachek and later NHL head coaches—shows his influence. More importantly, Trotz's hiring proved that a small-market team could succeed by cultivating a distinct identity rather than chasing big-name free agents. The 'Predator Way'—hard work, defense, and resilience—was born in that August 1997 press conference and remains central to the club's lore.

Did You Know?

• Trotz's first Predators win came on October 10, 1998, a 3-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes.
• He was named a finalist for the Jack Adams Award as NHL Coach of the Year in 2011 after leading the Predators to their first playoff series win.