Jeff Kealty has interviewed for the Nashville Predators' general manager position following Barry Trotz's retirement. He confirmed his interview but did not disclose details about the process.
Key points
Jeff Kealty interviewed for the Predators' GM position
Barry Trotz retired from the role in February
The team is considering multiple candidates
Kealty is currently the assistant GM and director of scouting
Mentioned in this story
Barry TrotzJeff Kealty
Nashville Predators
What Jeff Kealty said about interview process for Predators general manager
On May 13, it was confirmed that at least one internal candidate, assistant general manager and director of scouting Jeff Kealty, has interviewed for the job.
"I prefer not to go too much into my interview process," Kealty told reporters at Bridgestone Arena on May 13. "It was a great experience for me. I learned a lot and I enjoyed the process. But I'd rather keep (the details) inside a little bit."
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Q&A
Who is Jeff Kealty and what role does he hold with the Nashville Predators?
Jeff Kealty is the assistant general manager and director of scouting for the Nashville Predators.
Why did Barry Trotz retire from his position as general manager of the Predators?
Barry Trotz announced his retirement in February, choosing to prioritize family over his role with the team.
What is the current status of the Nashville Predators' search for a new general manager?
The Nashville Predators are still evaluating candidates to replace Barry Trotz, with interviews ongoing.
Did Jeff Kealty provide details about his interview for the Predators' GM position?
No, Jeff Kealty confirmed his interview but declined to share specific details about the interview process.
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Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators right wing Matthew Wood speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators right wing Matthew Wood speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators right wing Matthew Wood speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators right wing Luke Evangelista speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators defenseman Brady Skjei speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators defenseman Brady Skjei speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators right wing Luke Evangelista speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators right wing Matthew Wood speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators right wing Matthew Wood speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators right wing Matthew Wood speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators right wing Luke Evangelista speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators defenseman Brady Skjei speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators defenseman Brady Skjei speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators right wing Luke Evangelista speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
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Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, coach Andrew Brunette wrap up season
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks during media availability at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 20, 2026.
Kealty also said if he is not hired as the GM, he would like to remain with the Predators as director of scouting.
Kealty, 50, has been with the Predators for nearly 25 years in various capacities. He started as an amateur scout in 2001, then was elevated to director of amateur scouting in 2007. In 2018, he was named assistant general manager and director of scouting.
In 2025, Kealty was named GM for the U.S. Men's National Team. The U.S. won the gold medal at the IIHF Men's World Championship for the first time since 1960.
One of Kealty's main objectives has been identifying talent through the NHL draft. His track record outside of the first round has been impressive: Roman Josi (2008), Craig Smith (2009), Mattias Ekholm (2009), Colton Sissons (2012), Juuse Saros (2013), Viktor Arvidsson (2014) and Alex Carrier (2015) were all selected in the second round or later.
The first-round record is spotty. Ryan Ellis (2009) and Kevin Fiala (2014) were hits. Jonathan Blum (2007) and Philip Tomasino (2019) were not.
While this year's draft process has been a bit unusual with Trotz on his way out, Kealty said there's been little disruption to their work.
"We've tried to operate as we always have," Kealty said. "Even when the new GM comes in, they are probably going to rely on the work that's already been done."
Nashville will select at No. 10 overall in the NHL draft on June 26. The Predators have 12 total picks in the draft, including two second-round picks, two third-rounders, two in the fourth and three in the fifth.
