Nashville Predators hire Peter Laviolette as second coach in team history
Peter Laviolette has been working as a TV analyst since he was fired by the Flyers in October. (Len Redkoles/Getty Images)
Peter Laviolette has been hired as the second head coach in the Nashville Predators' 15-year history, the team announced on Tuesday.
Former head coach Barry Trotz was fired last month.
Laviolette, 49, has coached the Islanders (2001-03), Hurricanes (2003-09) and Flyers (2009-14), winning the 2006 Stanley Cup in Carolina. He signed a multi-year deal with the Predators, but terms have not been disclosed.
“Having reached the peak as a Stanley Cup Champion, Peter knows the intensity and urgency it will take to help our team reach its ultimate goal,” said Nashville general manager David Poile in a statement released by the team. “He is a great hockey mind who not only has a winning resume, but has done it with an aggressive offensive philosophy while also excelling in helping young players reach their potential. We look forward to Peter instilling his culture in Nashville immediately following his duties coaching the United States at the 2014 World Championship.”
Added Laviolette: “I love the nucleus of this team, starting on the back end with two of the best players at their positions in defenseman Shea Weber and goaltender Pekka Rinne, in addition to a solid group of dependable veterans and talented, rising young talent. My challenge will be to impart a system that enables our young forwards to thrive and reach their offensive potential. Being a perennial Stanley Cup contender requires buy-in, passion and commitment from every player on the roster. I can’t wait to get to Nashville and get started on our journey.”
Laviolette is 389-282-25-63 in parts of 12 seasons as a head coach. He has made six postseason appearances, with a 9-5 series record. He was credited with turning around all three franchises he coached early in his tenure.
The Predators went 38-32-12 this past season and missed the playoffs for the second straight year after seven appearances in eight seasons.
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