Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Nashville Predators kept an old fan-favorite on board as Scott Nichol transitions from player to player development. In the span of an offseason, Nichol has transitioned St. Louis Blues center to Predators director of player development, recalling the stretch of the 38-year-old’s life when from 2005-2009 Nichol score 24 of his 56 career goals in a Predators uniform — earning praise for the cerebral part of his game along the way.
The team issued a press release addressing the hire.
“As an organization that prides itself on developing homegrown talent, Scott Nichol will play a vital role in helping our prospects reach their full potential,” said Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile. “Scott was a player who had to work hard for everything in his career, and he will bring energy, enthusiasm and work ethic to this job. As a newly retired player he also has the ability to relate to players at all levels and help in their development.”
Nichol appears thrilled to join the staff after his tenure out on the ice with the team, adding: “During the last few years of my playing career, working with the younger players was something I really got a lot of enjoyment out of. It’s a great opportunity for me and I’m excited to be a part of the Predators organization again and have the chance to work with David Poile and the Predators staff.”
Martin Gelinas had vacated position to take an assistant coaching role with the Calgary Flames,
