"Return of Predators Coach Andrew Brunette After 2-Game Hiatus"
Nashville Predators head coach Andrew Brunette returned to the team on Thursday after being absent for two games due to a personal matter.
The 51-year-old Brunette released a statement announcing his return to the bench for Thursday night's game against the Utah Hockey Club in Salt Lake City.
"I would like to express my gratitude to ownership and general manager Barry Trotz for allowing me to spend time with my family. I also want to thank our entire coaching staff for their assistance in leading our team during my absence," he said. "My family and I are extremely grateful for the support we have received from our organization, players, and fans."
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Brunette explained that he had left the team on Saturday to return to his hometown of Ontario after his father experienced a medical emergency that required immediate attention.
During his absence, assistant coach Todd Richards took over the coaching duties for two home games: a 2-1 defeat against Montreal on Sunday and a 7-6 overtime victory against the New York Islanders on Tuesday.
With a record of 28-42-8 and 64 points, the Predators will not make it to the playoffs this season, ranking third-worst in the Western Conference. They have four games remaining in the regular season, including Thursday's game.
In his first season as head coach in 2023-24, Nashville had a record of 47-30-5 under Brunette's leadership, but they were eliminated in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Vancouver Canucks in six games.
