Barry Trotz Becomes the First Coach of the Nashville Predators
On August 6, 1997, Barry Trotz was named the first head coach of the Nashville Predators, an NHL expansion team set to join the league in the 1998-99 season. Trotz had an impressive track record in the minor leagues, notably leading the Portland Pirates to a Calder Cup victory in 1994. His success caught the eye of David Poile, who was then the general manager of the Washington Capitals and later became the GM of the Predators. Trotz went on to coach the Predators for 15 seasons, accumulating a record of 557-479-100 with 60 ties in 1,196 games. Despite being let go in 2014, he quickly found a new position with the Capitals, leading them to a Stanley Cup win in 2018.
Ray Whitney Joins the Carolina Hurricanes
In 2005, veteran forward Ray Whitney signed a two-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes. During his first season with the Hurricanes, Whitney played a pivotal role in their Stanley Cup victory, contributing 15 points in 24 playoff games. Whitney spent five years with Carolina and ended his career with the Dallas Stars in 2014, amassing 1,064 points over 22 NHL seasons.
Mike Modano Signs with the Detroit Red Wings
On August 6, 2010, Mike Modano, the highest-scoring American-born player in NHL history, was introduced as a member of the Detroit Red Wings. Modano joined the team after a stellar 20-season career with the Minnesota North Stars/Dallas Stars franchise. However, his time with the Red Wings was short-lived due to a wrist injury, and he retired in 2011 with 1,374 career points. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2014.
