League sources have confirmed that the Predators are hiring Andrew Brunette to be their next head coach the athlete Tuesday. Here’s what you need to know:
- The brunette will replace John Haynes, who was hired by Nashville in January 2020.
- Hines had one year left on his contract, but Predators general manager Barry Trotz said in April that the team would evaluate the coach’s performance before deciding on his future with the franchise.
- Samara has 75 games under his belt as a head coach, serving as interim head coach for the Panthers after Joel Quenneville resigned on October 28, 2021.
- While leading the Panthers, he compiled a 51-18-6 record and led Florida to the playoffs before being swept by the Lightning in the second round.
the athleteInstant Analysis:
Brunette’s way back to nashville
The first coach in Predators history, in his first managerial role, handed the reins to the player who scored the first goal in Predators history in 1998.
The Browns, who ended Patrick Roy’s career in 2003 with a clinching goal in overtime in Game 7 to lift Minnesota to Colorado, coached Florida to the President’s Cup last season on an interim basis before Paul Morris replaced him last June. He landed in New Jersey as an associate coach, where he spent one season.
Brown wasn’t the fastest player as a player, but he was a solid scorer, strong man, and one of the best teammates. With a loud, accurate laugh, he should lighten the mood in Nashville to say the least. He began his professional career in Minnesota, doing all the work with the Wild — player development, assistant coach and assistant GM — before Paul Fenton left him and landed in Florida with Quenneville. – Rousseau
What will a brunette inherit?
Hynes did solid work after taking over the fired Laviolette position in early 2020. But David Poile’s decision to step down as GM after this season has been compromised, as has Hynes’ failure to get the Preds to the postseason – even though they’re late – the post-season sale continues in Deadline Despite injuries to several key players.
The Preds eventually hit several ruts under Hynes. His failure to make the most of Eeli Tolvanen looked worse after Tolvanen was claimed by Seattle on waivers and he looked like a brand new player with the Kraken. The brunette takes on a team in transition, with young forwards in their way and aging, extravagant players trying to hold them back. With Juuse Saros in goal, he should have a chance to finish off his debut postseason season. – rexroad
What’s next for Heinz?
As for Trotz’ first move, this might not have been handled well. Ironically, that is exactly what happened to Bright last year in Florida. He waited in the wings as rumors circulated that Bill Zito was talking to potential candidates about the head coaching job. But at least it was temporary.
This time, Hynes had one year left on his deal and there were reports starting circulating around the league that Trotz was talking to potential candidates even when Hynes was a paid job. But, if he’s not your guy, you can also pull the plug.
In all professional sports we often see new world class managers come in, inherit the previous one and waste a year before doing the inevitable and bringing in a man of their own. It will be interesting to see what happens with Hynes. Does he take a year off or does he quickly throw his hat late in the process while teams like the Rangers, Calgary and Anaheim look for coaches? If he’s willing to become an assistant coach, he’s very close to Wild GM Bill Guerin, who is in the market for another assistant with Brett McClain being named Iowa’s head coach on Tuesday. – Rousseau
background story
Brunette played 16 seasons in the NHL before joining the Wild as an assistant. As a player, he has had stints with the Capitals, Predators, Thrashers, Wild, Avalanche and Blackhawks.
He finished his playing career with 268 goals and 465 assists in over 1,110 NHL games.
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