Predators Add Darby Hendrickson To Coaching Staff

The Nashville Predators and general manager Barry Trotz announced Friday they have hired Darby Hendrickson as an assistant coach to replace the position formerly held by Dan Hinote.

The Predators opted not to retain Hinote, whose contract expires later this month, according to a report from The Tennessean.

Hendrickson is a familiar face to Predators head coach Andrew Brunette as the two played and coached together with the Minnesota Wild. Brunette’s excitement about their reunion was evident in his statement.

“I’m thrilled to re-unite with one of my former teammates in Darby and welcome him to the Predators organization,” Brunette said. “Strong communication, building relationships and establishing a connection with players are the fundamental building blocks of our coaching staff, and he exemplifies those values and skills.” 

Hendrickson, 51,  joins Brunette and assistant coaches Derek MacKenzie and Todd Richards behind the Predators bench after serving 14 seasons in the same position with the Wild. Before starting his coaching career, Hendrickson played in 518 NHL games from 1995-2004, tallying 129 points (65 goals, 64 assists).

Trotz said the value of Brunette and Hendrickson having familiarly with each other “adds to the cohesiveness of our group.”

“We are excited to add a person and coach of Darby’s caliber to our organization,” Trotz said. “After spending more than a decade as a professional player, he has now been a quality coach in the NHL for a long time and further strengthens our staff’s ability to communicate and teach the game at a high level.”

Nashville also announced the hiring of former Predators defenseman Cody Franson as a North American amateur scout. He was drafted by the Predators in the third round of the 2005 NHL Draft and played 164 combined games in stints with the club from 2009-11 and in 2014-15.