Retiring Nashville Predators general manager David Poile got plenty of love during this week’s 2023 NHL Draft.
As the draft was being held in Nashville at Bridgestone Arena, Poile went through his very last draft process with the Predators before he retires at the end of the month.
Former Nashville coach Barry Trotz is taking Poile’s place as the team’s general manager.
Known for pulling off quite a trade, Poile’s final trade with Nashville wound up being an incredibly special one.
In the draft’s seventh round, Poile swapped picks with New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald, who was Nashville’s very first captain.
With the pick, Poile selected right winger Aiden Fink out of Brooks (AJHL).
David Poile’s final trade as Nashville’s GM: He swaps seventh-round picks with @NJDevils GM Tom Fitzgerald, the first captain @PredsNHL history. #NHLDraft
So cool. Such an awesome moment.
Enjoy your retirement, David. 👏 pic.twitter.com/p4EZmxqjkI
— NHL (@NHL) June 29, 2023
After the pick, Poile got a very well-deserved standing ovation from everyone in attendance at Wednesday’s draft rounds.
It’d be a moment for a lifetime in the building Poile helped bring hockey to, and he’ll undoubtedly go down as one of the most important figures in Predators (and NHL) history.