NHL Rumors: Leafs HC Craig Berube & Predators GM Barry Trotz on hot seat days after Sabres fire GM Kevyn Adams

Pressure is building around the NHL after the Buffalo Sabres fired GM Kevyn Adams. That move has shifted focus across the league. Attention now turns to Toronto and Nashville. Two high-profile leaders face growing scrutiny.

Speaking on Daily Faceoff Tuesday, Carter Hutton weighed in on whose seat feels hottest. When asked by Tyler Yaremchuk, Hutton pointed to Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube. He said expectations in Toronto never fade, and questioned whether Berube’s message still connects with star-driven players.

"I'm gonna go with Craig Berube," Hutton said. "I just think there is a demand for a head coach in that market. I know there's been change; I know there's been that, but I feel like he's not really getting through to these guys.

"And I love Craig Berube, but I think his old-school mentality sometimes is wearing thin on these Toronto Maple Leaf players who want to be superstars."

Berube took over as Leafs coach in May 2024. He arrived with a strong resume after leading St. Louis to an NHL Stanley Cup in 2019. However, this season brought new challenges as Toronto traded Mitch Marner, reshaping the roster and identity.

The Leafs sit at 15-12-5 in the Atlantic Division, with strong offense behind Auston Matthews and William Nylander. However, defense has slipped, and Injuries and power-play struggles have hurt consistency.

Hutton also named Barry Trotz as a GM under pressure. Trotz became Nashville’s second-ever NHL GM in July 2023. Hutton stressed that managing from the front office brings different demands.

"And for GM, honestly, you can make the argument. I think Barry Trotz," Hutton said. "I think as a first-time GM, he is a guy that's a bit on the hot seat, right? He's a legend, and I love him, but it doesn't mean you can be a GM.

"Like I feel like being a head coach, being successful, winning a cup as a head coach is one thing, but a GM is a totally different animal. And I think he is a bit on the hot seat after that big free agency at this point..."

Trotz made several moves during a transitional NHL offseason. Nashville added Nicolas Hague and Erik Haula via trade. Nick Perbix joined through free agency. The team also drafted Brady Martin fifth overall and signed him quickly. The plan focused on a balance between youth and experience.

However, results have been inconsistent so far. Nashville sits at 13-15-4 near the bottom of the Central Division.

Predators' 5-2 NHL win doesn't change things for Tortz

The Nashville Predators won recently, defeating the St. Louis Blues 5-2 on Monday at Enterprise Center. Forward Filip Forsberg scored a hat trick in the win. Yet questions remain, and Hutton said winning a few games does not erase concerns.

"They won again last night, but I think he's still on the hot seat." Hutton said.

With Adams already gone, the NHL watches closely for another new move as the season intensifies. Toronto and Nashville now carry added pressure to show progress fast.