from Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail,

Here’s something you don’t hear often from a fired coach: Barry Trotz, now with the Washington Capitals, ex- of the Nashville Predators, is glad that his boss, David Poile, issued him a pink slip last summer.

The dismissal, as the first and only coach in Predators’ history, gave Trotz a chance to seek out a new opportunity and the Nashville players a chance to hear a fresh voice. Trotz is succeeding with his new team – points in 17 of the last 18 games to move into a playoff spot – and Peter Laviolette is succeeding with his old team, leading them to first overall in the NHL, on a percentage basis.

So what’s not to like about the shuffle?

Trotz, who returns to Nashville for time Friday after spending 15 years behind the Predators’ bench, admitted as much this week: That the upheaval caused by losing his first NHL job this past summer has turned into a win-win for both franchises.

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