World War Suter: Barry Trotz Goes Nuclear

Feb 7, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators head coach Barry Trotz instructs his team against the Los Angeles Kings during the second period at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators beat the Kings 3-0. Mandatory credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

I know I’m late getting to this, but it didn’t really seem too big of a deal until I started mulling it over. If you haven’t heard, Nashville Predators head coach Barry Trotz had an interview on 102.5 The Game yesterday morning. When asked about the Detroit Red Wings heading to the Eastern Conference, it was mentioned it was time to create some new rivalries.

Here’s what Trotz had to say on the subject:

"We’ve got to start new rivalries, like us and Minnesota. They stole Ryan Suter, so I want to kick their butt, plain and simple."

Now, this remark could stem from a number of things. It could be a jovial, have-to-get-in-a-Ryan-Suter-jab remark. It’s certainly possible. It could also just be a dog with a bark bigger than his body. Or, it could be that Suter’s one time coach has an air of anger and wounded pride over the loss of Suter that he will not let go of.

The fact of the matter is this, while Suter would go on to notch the best season of his career, Shea Weber spent many a lonely night with his Barry Manilow albums and a few gallons of ice cream. I’m exaggerating, of course, but there’s no question Weber struggled without Suter, and Nashville’s woes were a direct result of it. However, it was that poor season that got Nashville the fourth overall pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, meaning the signing of Ryan Suter had just as much to do with Nashville drafting Seth Jones as Colorado, Florida and Tampa Bay’s decisions to pass him up.

That said, you’re welcome, Mr. Trotz. Chuck Fletcher and Ryan Suter will be expecting your lovely fruit baskets shortly. In all seriousness, it was likely nothing more than an NHL head coach being an NHL head coach. There can only be one Stanley Cup champion each season, and you have to kick some serious butt to get there. Trotz is like any NHL coach, he just revealed his hand a little too early.