Barry Trotz Announces Retirement
In a significant announcement on Monday, Barry Trotz, the longtime General Manager of the Nashville Predators, revealed his plans to retire at the conclusion of the current NHL season. The 63-year-old hockey executive has held the GM position since 2023, but his connection to the Predators dates back to 1998, when he became the franchise’s inaugural head coach during their expansion into the league.
Speculations on Successors
As the news of his retirement spreads, discussions and speculations are already underway regarding possible successors for the GM role in Nashville. Elliotte Friedman, a prominent hockey insider with Sportsnet, weighed in on the matter during the latest episode of his podcast, “32 Thoughts.” He provided a variety of names, including established veterans and rising stars in the hockey management scene.
Potential Candidates
Among the potential candidates mentioned by Friedman, Vancouver Canucks assistant GM Ryan Johnson stands out, especially for fans familiar with his journey. Johnson, who began his career with the Canucks in the 2013-14 season, has steadily climbed the ranks within the organization, currently serving as an Assistant General Manager and the General Manager of the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks.
His tenure at Abbotsford has been notably successful, including winning the Calder Cup in 2025. Under Johnson’s leadership, the Abbotsford team has reached the playoffs every season, nurturing NHL-caliber talents like Artūrs Šilovs and Max Sasson. Additionally, he played a crucial role in bringing pivotal players such as Chase Wouters and Jujhar Khaira to the roster, which contributed significantly to the team’s success, including last summer’s Calder Cup victory.
Looking Ahead
As the Nashville Predators look to appoint a new GM, the focus will undoubtedly include Johnson and other promising candidates who embody the future of NHL management. Fans looking to keep up with the latest developments regarding the Canucks and other NHL news can check out The Hockey News and connect with the growing community of hockey enthusiasts online.
