After letting Barry Trotz go, the Nashville Predators have now hired his replacement. As just the second head coach in franchise history, the pressure will be on for Peter Laviolette.
Peter Laviolette will take over a Nashville team that has been very good defensively over the years but has lacked the offense to really make an impact in the NHL. Laviolette will look to turn around a team that has missed the playoffs in two straight seasons. His team’s have finished top 10 in goals scored in 6 of his 8 full seasons as an NHL head coach, and never lower than 13th.
“Having reached the peak as a Stanley Cup Champion, Peter knows the intensity and urgency it will take to help our team reach its ultimate goal,” general manager David Poile said. “He is a great hockey mind who not only has a winning resume, but has done it with an aggressive offensive philosophy while also excelling in helping young players reach their potential.”
Laviolette was fired by the Philadelphia Flyers after just three games this season. He previously won the Stanley Cup as head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes, and was also the Head Coach of the New York Islanders. Laviolette is currently coaching Team USA at the World Hockey Championships.
“My challenge will be to impart a system that enables our young forwards to thrive and reach their offensive potential,” Laviolette said. “Being a perennial Stanley Cup contender requires buy-in, passion and commitment from every player on the roster. I can’t wait to get to Nashville and get started on our journey.”
Joining Laviolette will be assistant coach Kevin McCarthy, who was also hired by the Predators.
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