from Nicholas J. Cotsonika of the NHL's website,

PLYMOUTH, Mich. -- Barry Trotz sat in the stands at USA Hockey Arena on Wednesday, watching the World Junior Summer Showcase in his first scouting mission since officially becoming general manager of the Nashville Predators on July 1....

As a GM, he has to be informed about all players at all levels, so he was there to see every team's prospects at the tournament. Maybe he might want to acquire one of them someday.

"A couple of kids have caught my eye," he said. "They're not with us, but I'm going, 'If that name comes up, I would have some interest.'"

He was there to see the prospects who are eligible for the 2024 and 2025 drafts too. The 2024 NHL Draft will be his first as GM.

"I've talked to a lot of general managers, and you've got two trains of thought," he said. "You trust the people that you hire, or you have to do your own work because it falls on you.

"I've worked with all my [staff members], and I trust them and all that. But at the same time, I think there's a part of me that wants to go, 'You know what? I've got to make sure that these are the types of people that I want.'"

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