Nashville Predators: New GM's Tough Choices

0:00It's April 21st, this is NHL News Today, AI-powered stories from inside your team. The Nashville Predator shocked everyone this season, finishing just 4 points shy of the playoffs after folks thought they'd rebuild. With a record of 38 wins, 34 losses, and 10 overtime losses, they overachieved big time. But now General Manager Barry Trotz is, out, leaving Coach Andrew Burnett in place for a huge off-season call on the team's path. Instead of selling off stars at the trade deadline, they held tight on most pieces. They kept Ryan O'Reilly and Steven Stamcoes, who has a no-movement clause and only flip Michael Bunting for a 2026 third-round pick. Plus seconds for a couple depth guys. Playoff hopes in a week Western Conference wildcard race kept them from a full fire sale. Players like O'Reilly and Stamcoes push management not to trade them, drawing from Nashville's wildcard run to the Stanley Cup Final back in 20. Fans and insiders feel the late push fizzled with a rough April, making the whole season

1:04seem kind of empty without that postseason payoff. Bright spots kept hope alive though, Stamcoes exploded for 42 goals after a slower start on his 4-year $32 million deal. Phillip Forsberg hit 75 points, O'Reilly 74, Roman Josie bounced back strong, and Goli just as on an in-post at a solid 906. Eight percentage with a shut-out gem against the ducks. Heading into summer, the new GM faces tough choices, rebuild with their 10th lottery odds at 3.5% or chase another wildcard, despite weak scoring and defense rankings. Questions swirl on trading Juiceros, O'Reilly, or even Stamcoes if he weighs his clause, while eyeing Brunette's future.