Top Candidates for Nashville Predators General Manager Role Revealed

The Nashville Predators are on the hunt for a new general manager following Barry Trotz’s unexpected retirement nearly three months ago. Owner Bill Haslam has expressed a desire to fill the position by draft day in late June, although he has indicated that this timeline isn’t set in stone. With the Predators officially in their offseason after missing the playoffs, securing a new GM has become the franchise’s primary focus.

NHL insiders Elliotte Friedman and Frank Seravalli recently provided insights into several candidates who are emerging as frontrunners for the role. They highlighted Florida Panthers assistant general manager Brett Peterson, Edmonton Oilers assistant general manager Bill Scott, and former New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald as standout options.

Brett Peterson has made history as the first Black assistant GM in NHL history, joining the Panthers in 2020 under general manager Bill Zito. His contributions have been instrumental in the Panthers’ success, including three consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances from 2023 to 2025, along with back-to-back championships in 2024 and 2025. Peterson also took on the role of general manager for Team USA at the 2024 IIHF World Championships, returning to lead the team again for the 2026 Championships. Under his guidance, the Americans clinched their first Gold Medal since 1933 during the 2025 tournament.

Bill Scott has been with the Oilers organization since 2010, where he has steadily advanced through the ranks. He served as the general manager of Edmonton’s AHL affiliate and transitioned to various roles in the Oilers’ front office, ultimately becoming the full-time assistant GM in 2022. Scott has played a vital role in a lengthy rebuild for the Oilers, helping to secure four No. 1 overall picks between 2010 and 2015, including Connor McDavid in 2015. His efforts have contributed to the Oilers’ recent success, including back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals appearances in 2024 and 2025.

Tom Fitzgerald brings extensive experience to the table, having been involved in NHL operations since 2007. He began his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins as Director of Player Development and quickly ascended to assistant general manager, winning a Stanley Cup in 2009. Fitzgerald later joined the New Jersey Devils as assistant GM and AHL affiliate GM, where he was part of the team that drafted first overall picks Nico Hischier in 2017 and Jack Hughes in 2019. After being promoted to general manager following Ray Shero’s firing, Fitzgerald led the Devils to playoff appearances in 2023 and 2025. However, he was let go after New Jersey finished 13th in the Eastern Conference with a 42-37-3 record.

Interestingly, Fitzgerald is familiar to Predators fans, having been the franchise’s first captain and playing four seasons with the team from 1998 to 2002. Additionally, Friedman noted that the Dallas Stars have granted permission for assistant GM Scott White to interview with Nashville and Toronto. White has been with the Stars since 2005, beginning as the Iowa Stars’ Director of Hockey Operations and later becoming the assistant GM full-time this year. His tenure has coincided with the Stars’ ascent to prominence in the league, highlighted by a Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2020 and a Calder Cup win for the Texas Stars in 2014.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.