Mitch Korn, a longtime goalie guru, has made his return to the Nashville Predators as the director of goaltending. This move reunites him with general manager Barry Trotz, with whom he has worked at various coaching stops around the NHL. Korn’s impressive resume speaks for itself, as he has a proven track record of developing top-tier goaltenders. Notably, he won the Stanley Cup with Trotz and the Washington Capitals in 2018. Throughout his career, Korn has demonstrated an uncanny ability to communicate the language of goaltending to his players, helping them understand how to improve effectively.
One of Korn’s primary tasks upon returning to the Predators will be to work with top prospect Yaroslav Askarov and help him reach his full potential as an elite netminder. With Juuse Saros performing well and finishing in the top 10 in Vezina voting for multiple seasons, Korn will have to continue the team’s success at the goaltending position. The pressure is on to develop Askarov into the prized pupil that the organization hopes he will become.
Korn will be leading an already impressive goaltending department that includes goaltending coach Ben Vanderklok, goaltending development coach Jason Barron, and European development coach and scout Pekka Rinne. With this talented group in place, Trotz is confident that the franchise’s success at the goaltending position will continue to grow. Korn specifically mentioned his excitement to work with Vanderklok, whom he hired as his assistant in 2009. Their strong friendship and working relationship have persisted over the years, making Vanderklok an invaluable asset to the team.
Over the course of his career, Korn has played a significant role in the development of several NHL goaltenders, including top-tier talents like Seattle’s Philipp Grubauer, San Jose’s Vitek Vanecek, Toronto’s Ilya Samsonov, and the Islanders’ Ilya Sorokin. Korn’s experience and expertise make him a valuable addition to any goaltending department, and his return to Nashville signifies a new chapter in the team’s goaltending success.
As Korn settles back into his role with the Predators, there is a sense of excitement surrounding the team’s goaltending future. With a proven track record of success and a deep understanding of the position, Korn is poised to make a significant impact on the development of the team’s goalies. As the NHL landscape continues to evolve, having a seasoned veteran like Korn leading the way is a valuable asset for the Nashville Predators as they strive for continued success in the goaltending department.