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In a significant shake-up of its coaching staff, the Nashville Predators are saying goodbye to head coach John Hynes and welcoming Andrew Brunette into the role, as announced on Wednesday.
Brunette shared his excitement about his appointment in a press release. “I’m thrilled to return to Nashville and rejoin the Predators organization. This feels like a full circle moment in my career, from wearing the jersey for the first time 25 years ago to now coming back to take care of some unfinished business. Witnessing the growth of this city and its fanbase since my time as a player here has been incredible, and I am keen to carry forward the legacy and the culture that Barry established in our first season.”
During his tenure as the Predators’ head coach, Hynes led the team through four seasons, amassing a 134-96-18 record. However, he was unable to steer the team beyond the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs despite one year remaining in his contract.
Prior to this appointment, Brunette served as an assistant coach for the New Jersey Devils for the 2022-23 season. He was promoted to the position of associate head coach of the Florida Panthers in October 2021 following Joel Quenneville’s resignation. After the 2021-22 season, despite being offered a significant assistant coach role with the Panthers, Brunette opted to join the Devils.
During his stint as the Panthers’ head coach, Brunette led the team to an impressive 51-18-6 record, topping the Atlantic Division. However, the Panthers were ousted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Brunette’s connection with the Predators organization runs deep as he scored the franchise’s inaugural goal back in 1998. At 49, his one season with the Predators saw him scoring 11 goals and assisting 20 times. Over his 16-year NHL career, Brunette has played for the Minnesota Wild, Washington Capitals, Colorado Avalanche, Atlanta Thrashers, and Chicago Blackhawks, alongside the Predators.
The Predators, following a 42-32-8 record (92 points) last season, narrowly missed out on a playoff spot in the Western Conference by just three points.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Andrew Brunette Head Coach
Q: Who is the new head coach of the Nashville Predators?
A: The new head coach of the Nashville Predators is Andrew Brunette.
Q: Who did Andrew Brunette replace as the head coach?
A: Andrew Brunette replaced John Hynes as the head coach of the Nashville Predators.
Q: How long did John Hynes serve as the Predators’ head coach?
A: John Hynes served as the Predators’ head coach for four seasons.
Q: What was John Hynes’ record as the Predators’ head coach?
A: John Hynes compiled a record of 134-96-18 during his tenure as the Predators’ head coach.
Q: What were the Predators’ results under John Hynes in the Stanley Cup Playoffs?
A: Under John Hynes, the Predators were unable to advance beyond the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Q: What is Andrew Brunette’s coaching experience prior to joining the Predators?
A: Before joining the Predators, Andrew Brunette served as an assistant coach for the New Jersey Devils and later as the head coach of the Florida Panthers.
Q: What was Andrew Brunette’s record as the head coach of the Florida Panthers?
A: Andrew Brunette had a record of 51-18-6 as the head coach of the Florida Panthers.
Q: What is Andrew Brunette’s connection to the Predators organization?
A: Andrew Brunette scored the first-ever goal in franchise history for the Predators back in 1998. He also played for the Predators during his 16-year NHL career.
Q: How did the Predators perform in the previous season?
A: In the previous season, the Predators finished with a record of 42-32-8 (92 points), narrowly missing out on a playoff spot in the Western Conference by three points.
More about Andrew Brunette Head Coach
- Nashville Predators Official Website
- Andrew Brunette’s NHL Coaching Profile
- John Hynes’ NHL Coaching Profile
- Stanley Cup Playoffs Official Website
- New Jersey Devils Official Website
- Florida Panthers Official Website
3 comments
Wow, big news out of Nashville! Andrew Brunette is takin’ charge as the new head coach of the Predators. Goodbye to John Hynes, and hello to a fresh start. Can’t wait to see how the team performs under Brunette’s leadership!
Finally, a change behind the bench for the Preds! Hynes had his shot, but couldn’t get ’em past the first round. Brunette’s got a history with the team and knows what it takes to score goals. Let’s hope he brings some new energy to the squad!
Whoa, didn’t see that comin’! Brunette, the guy who scored the first-ever goal for the Predators, is now gonna be their head coach. That’s some serious full-circle stuff right there. Can’t wait to see if he can take ’em to the playoffs next season. Go Preds!