NHL insider sounds the alarm on Predators' 'toxic' environment after GM Barry Trotz's scathing call-out

The Nashville Predators have one of the most “toxic” environments in the league, especially following GM Barry Trotz's comments, calling his team out.

That’s the opinion insider Frank Seravalli manifested in the November 25 edition of the Insider Notebook on B/R Open Ice.

During the episode, Seravalli made his thoughts clear regarding the environment currently surrounding Barry Trotz’s Predators squad.

Seravalli stated:

“You used a bullet as one option in your line here to try and get this team back on track, which is blast the players in the media…I've talked for weeks repeatedly about how the environment around the Nashville Predators is the most toxic in the NHL. From top to bottom, no one is in a good place in the Nashville Predators organization, and they don't like the way the things have been handled…”

The Predators are at the bottom of the NHL standings, with Barry Trotz’s public stunt doing little to spur a turnaround. The Preds lost an 8-3 decision at Bridgestone Arena on Monday night, getting blown out by the defending Stanley Cup champs, the Florida Panthers.

The situation has reached a critical mass where something has to give. But there doesn’t appear to be a solution in sight.

The dire circumstances prompted Seravalli to state:

“That's not going to go over well, and we saw the response quite clearly on Monday night in Nashville. It's a brutal situation, and I don't know where they go from here."

The Preds are in a dismal place for the second season in a row under Barry Trotz. So, it remains to be seen if trade rumors come to fruition this season. Otherwise, the team’s ownership may need to find an alternative solution regarding its GM and coaching situation.

Several Predators players linked to trade rumors during Barry Trotz’s tenure

Two offseasons ago, Barry Trotz was hailed as a genius for making several high-profile free-agent signings. The Predators were coming off an improbable playoff appearance that promised a new era of contention.

However, said free-agent acquisitions fell flat. Last season, the Preds failed to make the playoffs, leaving Barry Trotz with a lottery pick. The rebound season envisaged for this year has not materialized.

The scenario now turns to one of cleaning house. As noted by insider Nick Kypreos’ trade board, the Preds could be looking to move two of their most valuable veteran pieces: Steven Stamkos and Ryan O’Reilly.

Both veteran players could be highly coveted pieces for contending squads. While they won’t necessarily come cheap, the rapidly deteriorating scenario in Nashville could prompt Trotz to sell now.

The underwhelming season by both veterans could be an indication that something’s off with the Preds. Nevertheless, Nashville is running out of time and options. If the club is serious about sparking a turnaround, that could begin with significant trades.

If Trotz decides to stand pat, the offseason may become a painful one for the organization. Big decisions will be needed to determine the club’s fate moving forward.