Nashville Predators Fire Head Coach; Name Replacement

In recent NHL coaching news, the Nashville Predators are making headlines as they reportedly prepare for a coaching change.

According to reports, John Hynes is out and former Predator Andrew Brunette is set to take over as the team's new head coach.

BREAKING: #Preds are firing head coach John Hynes, and are hiring Andrew Brunette to replace him.

— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) May 30, 2023

This move comes under the leadership of newly appointed general manager Barry Trotz, who is making decisive changes behind the bench.

Andrew Brunette's coaching credentials speak for themselves, as he was a finalist for the prestigious Jack Adams Award in 2022.

During his tenure as the interim head coach of the Florida Panthers, Brunette led the team to an impressive 51-18-6 record and helped them secure the Presidents' Trophy, a testament to his coaching prowess.

The Panthers were ultimately eliminated in the second round by the Tampa Bay Lightning, prompting the team to hire Paul Maurice as their head coach during the offseason.

John Hynes will not return as head coach, as per @KevinWeekes.

Instead, Barry Trotz will give the job to Andrew Brunette. The first ever coach of the Nashville Predators hires the guy who scored their first ever goal. pic.twitter.com/7sWCKR3xOH

— Alex Daugherty (@AlexDaugherty1) May 30, 2023

Following his time with the Panthers, Brunette joined the New Jersey Devils as an assistant coach for the 2022-23 season, where he focused on overseeing the team's power play strategies. Prior to that, he served as an assistant coach for the Minnesota Wild in the 2014-2015 season and later transitioned to the role of assistant general manager for the team from 2015 to 2019.

Brunette's hiring by the Predators carries a special significance, as he holds a unique connection with the franchise. He was the player who scored the team's first-ever goal, and now he is their head coach.

His experience, achievements, and deep understanding of the game make him a highly deserving candidate for the role.

It's worth noting that Brunette's coaching potential has been recognized by multiple teams, including the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he reportedly interviewed for a coaching position.

With his impressive track record and the success he has achieved both as a player and a coach, it's no surprise that several teams were vying for his services, and now the Predators have secured them. Photo Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports