Andrew Brunette's absence from Predators poses significance in final games

With Brunette away from team, attention turns to what a Brunette-less Predators team could look like

(Nashville Predators)

By Anthony Pellegrino @Pellegrinoap50 IceInsider.com Predators All Access Reporter

NASHVILLE--Andrew Brunette remains away from the Predators while tending to a family matter.

And although Predators assistant coach Todd Richards won't change much--or anything from Brunette's system while away from the team, the absence gives Nashville GM Barry Trotz a chance to observe a Predators team, without Brunette behind the bench.

What his absence could cause the team to look like.

After all, questioning a disconnect between coaching and on-ice play is part of the offseason plan for the Predators to internally dissect what went wrong this season.

“It’s (been) challenging,” Brunette said of the season weeks before his absence. “We’ve got a lot of guys that haven’t been (in this) situation our veteran guys for a while. I think mentally it’s a drain. It’s hard."

In the modern-era NHL, it's a stark reality of the business--coach firings.

Four NHL head coaches have been fired this season, including Derek Lalonde (Red Wings), Jim Montgomery (Bruins), Drew Bannister (Blues), and Luke Richardson (Blackhawks).

When the question was posed to Brunette back in December as the Predators sought a 7-15-6 record, he understood that part. It's a part of the business and a part of life.

“I think in our business, we're terminal, in my business anyways,” he said. “It's just like all of us in life. I don’t think we’re overly concerned about it. When it happens, it happens. In saying that, it is what it is. I'm looking forward to tomorrow's game (is the mindset)."

Barry Trotz admitted everything, including a coaching change, is up for consideration this offseason.

"I think everything is for evaluation. It's premature to make the decision one way or another. It would be unfair to make that decision right now."

The final stretch leading to game 82 next Wednesday gives Trotz an important look at a Predators team without Andrew Brunette.

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