Predators' Request to Interview Top GM Turned Down; 4 Other Candidates Revealed

Nashville Predators executive Barry Trotz

The Nashville Predators began their search for a new General Manager earlier this season when Barry Trotz announced he'd be stepping down. He and the front office are continuing their search, and word is they've tried to poach one of the most forward-thinking GMs in hockey.

Only problem is, his current employers aren't interested in letting him go. Elliotte Friedman explains on Hockey Night in Canada:

The Carolina Hurricanes wouldn't talk about it today, but I'm under the understanding... that during their search, Nashville asked for permission to speak with Carolina's GM (Eric Tulsky), and they were denied.

Tulsky is known for his analytical approach to roster construction and talent evaluation. And it was certainly interesting, noted Friedman, that Maple Leafs' head honcho, MLSE CEO Keith Pelley, specifically mentioned Tulsky as he talked about the kind of "data-centric" hockey boss he was looking for. No word if the Leafs have or will also reach out. It's pretty certain that the answer would be the same, however.

In the meantime, Friedman tells us about four other candidates that he believes the Predators have interviewed for the job, and one of them is, ironically, an associate GM with the Hurricanes:

Brett Peterson, Florida Panthers Assistant GM
Bill Scott, Edmonton Oilers Assistant GM
Scott White, Dallas Stars Assistant GM
Darren Yorke, Chicago Wolves (AHL) GM

Yorke is in his 17th season in the Hurricanes' organization, working his way up from a video scout in 2009, to assistant GM, and on to his current post as an associate GM with the Canes, and the GM of the Wolves. He also oversees amateur scouting, player development, and drafting for the NHL club in addition to his duties with the Wolves.