Jack Adams Award – Barry Trotz (2018-19)

Lore & Background

Barry Trotz didn't just coach the Nashville Predators—he invented them. Hired in 1998 before the team had even played a game, he took an expansion roster of castoffs and nobodies and forged a squad that outworked everyone. For 15 seasons, his teams were defined by relentless backchecking, stingy defense, and a never-say-die grit that became the 'Smashville' identity. They made the playoffs seven times, including a surprising run to the Western Conference Semifinals in 2011, often with rosters that on paper had no business being there. Trotz was a finalist for the Jack Adams three times in Nashville but never won—a fact that gnawed at fans who saw him squeeze blood from a stone year after year. After leaving in 2014, Trotz finally won a Stanley Cup with Washington in 2018. Then came the Islanders. His defensive system was suffocating, his player development was alchemy, and the Jack Adams was his at last. Back in Nashville, the news hit like a vindication: the coach who taught the Predators how to win had finally been recognized as the best in the world.

In Their Own Story

The jumbotron at Bridgestone Arena flickered to life during a summer broadcast of the NHL Awards, and the crowd—there for a fan event—suddenly went quiet. There was Barry Trotz, their Barry, wearing an Islanders jacket and accepting the Jack Adams Award. For a split second, it felt strange, like seeing an old friend in someone else's jersey. Then a fan in a vintage Predators sweater stood and started clapping. Another joined. Soon the whole arena was on its feet, applause rolling through the stands like a wave. Trotz, watching from the screen, gave a small nod—the same stoic nod he'd given a thousand times from the bench in that very building. He was thinking of the early years: the half-empty rink, the grind of building a culture from nothing, the first playoff win that made the whole city believe. Nashville wasn't just celebrating his award. They were celebrating the foundation he laid, one that still holds strong.

Reader's Guide

Barry Trotz won the Jack Adams Award for the 2018-19 NHL season, recognizing his coaching excellence with the New York Islanders. The award was announced in June 2019 at the NHL Awards ceremony. DID_YOU_KNOW: Barry Trotz is the only coach to have been with the Predators from their inaugural season through 2014, serving as the franchise's first and longest-tenured head coach. | Trotz was a finalist for the Jack Adams Award three times while with the Predators (2005-06, 2006-07, 2009-10) before finally winning in 2018-19. | Trotz's Jack Adams win made him the first coach with a Predators background to receive the honor.

Did You Know?

• Barry Trotz is the only coach to have been with the Predators from their inaugural season through 2014, serving as the franchise's first and longest-tenured head coach.
• Trotz was a finalist for the Jack Adams Award three times while with the Predators (2005-06, 2006-07, 2009-10) before winning in 2018-19.
• Trotz's Jack Adams win made him the first coach with a Predators background to receive the honor.