Predators Fire John Hynes, Hire Andrew Brunette
We got a Kevin Weekes bomb fresh after the Memorial Day holiday. The Weekes’ bombs always hit differently. The Nashville Predators killed two birds with one stone. They not only have fired John Hynes but also found their next head coach. Andrew Brunette will become the next head coach for the Preds.
Kevin Weekes of ESPN was the first to report the news:
**Breaking News**
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) May 30, 2023
I’m told, the @PredsNHL are making a change behind the bench, and one time Predator Andrew Brunette will be their new HC in Music City. @espn @NHL @NHLNetwork @TSNHockey @DKSportsbook #HockeyTwitter pic.twitter.com/QOQFdTRuh4
Gotta love Weekes. His videos are just THE best.
Let’s start with the former coach. Hynes, 48, had just one year remaining on his deal with Nashville. Hynes coached the Preds for four years leading the team to a record of 134-96-18. Nashville made the postseason in three of the first four years of that tenure. Of course, after missing out this past year, it looks like a rebuild is on the way.
Brunette, 49, helped guide the Panthers to the Presidents Cup trophy a year ago after taking over for Joel Quenneville. In 75 games with Florida during the 2021-22 season, Brunette helped guide Florida to a 58-18-6 mark. Brunette also did great work as an assistant for Jersey this past year helping them get back into the postseason. Brunette is really good at sparking offense off the rush and should pair well under defensive minded Trotz.
The more interesting story is how aggressive Trotz will be with this rebuild. It’s what’s needed with Nashville. I’d trade Juuse Saros but that’s just me. After the trade of Mattias Ekholm at the deadline sending the veteran defenseman to Edmonton, I’d expect Trotz to be aggressive in churning this roster over.
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