from the Nashville Predators,

David Poile, the only general manager in the history of the Nashville Predators, announced today he is going to retire from that position, as well as his role of president of hockey operations, on June 30, 2023. Poile will remain affiliated with the organization as an advisor, serving the team's ownership, its business operations leadership group, and the hockey operations department, including new General Manager Barry Trotz.

Trotz, the franchise's first-ever and winningest head coach, takes the reins as general manager on July 1, 2023. He will manage all facets of the Predators' hockey operations department, including the coaching and scouting staffs, player procurement and development, as well as minor league affiliations and operations. Trotz will work as an advisor for Poile and his management team over the next four months, ensuring a smooth, stable and efficient transition as he takes over just following the 2023 NHL Draft, which will be hosted at Bridgestone Arena on June 28-29.

"This is a decision that is best for me personally and best for the Nashville Predators," Poile said. "For the Predators, I believe it is time for a new voice and a new direction. I am proud of the foundation we have put in place in our hockey operations, investing in and improving every area of the department. This is the right time for someone else to move our franchise forward.

"I am incredibly proud of everything the Predators organization has accomplished in my time here - all the wins, our appearance in the Stanley Cup Final and winning the Presidents' Trophy, but I am most proud of helping develop SMASHVILLE into one of the best hockey markets in the National Hockey League. And, while I will always be fiercely proud of those accomplishments, I will remain committed in my new role to help us achieve our ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup.

"I would like to thank all the players, coaches, trainers and scouts I have had the pleasure of working with; all of the employees in the organization's history; Craig Leipold, Tom Cigarran, Herb Fritch, Sean Henry; and all of our owners. Their dedication and commitment to the Predators and the growth of the game in Middle Tennessee has been unparalleled. Most of all, I want to thank our fans for making the Predators a piece of the fabric of Nashville, transforming our city into SMASHVILLE. I appreciate all the passion and support over the last 25 years."

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Frankly, it is time for Poile to go. I could see this coming. Without team saying so, I think he was asked to quietly step aside before trade deadline deals were made so the incoming GM could have a say in the roster reshaping that needs to take place. I'm reasonably sure Trotz had input regarding the trades.

I am a little surprised they moved Jeannot. He looked like decent foundation piece but it was probably hard to ignore the offerings for an undrafted forward looking for a big raise. Now the next question really becomes the coach. I think the performance over the next 25 games will influence whether or not he's kept around. They really need a teardown in Nashville but existing contracts will make that tough.