Behind the Bench: Possible Futures for Nashville Predators

Nashville Predators(Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports(
Nashville Predators(Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports(
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Karl Taylor 11/15/19
Head coach of the Milwaukee Admirals Karl Taylor (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

The Nashville Predators’ “In-House” Candidate

Much of the discussion during the offseason before the 2021 season was the expectation of seeing a “youth movement” for the Nashville Predators.

Originally, that youth movement never manifested during the onset of the season. However, due to injuries, lack of production, or a combination of the two, the youth have made their mark.

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Eeli Tolvanen is now a top-line winger for the team and on the first power play unit, Mathieu Olivier is making a name for himself as a bruiser, and other young players are getting opportunities we thought they should have had going into the season.

If the “youth movement” is to be embraced, and a coaching change is inevitable, why not give a chance to the person who has guided their development as of late: Karl Taylor.

Taylor made a name for himself as an assistant coach for the AHL’s Texas Stars, and was named Head Coach of the Admirals prior to the 2018-2019 season.

During his first season, the team went 36-24 and lost in the first round of the playoffs. However, during his second season, and prior to the pandemic shutdown, the team boasted a record of 41-14 with 8 overtime losses, and were the odds on favorites to win the Calder Cup. He was named the 2019-2020 AHL’s Coach of the Year, and rightfully so, and he’s already on our staff.

Because the Admirals opted out of the season, Taylor is available, but it is worth noting the success his players are having with the Chicago Wolves.

If the Nashville Predators were to make a change, Taylor would be a familiar face, and one the talented youth feel comfortable playing for.