From Ice to Inspiration: How Jordin Tootoo’s Unseen Battle Redefined Rock Bottom

Tootoo had quickly become a fan favorite in Nashville, as he was a smaller player at 5-foot-9 who never shied away from leaving his mark on opponents. But eventually, his off-ice struggles became apparent to Predators GM David Poile and coach Barry Trotz, and they helped Tootoo start to find the road to recovery.

“The first seven years of my career, I was this angry young kid who didn’t take crap from nobody,” Tootoo said. “And for me, fortunately, I had Mr. David Poile and Mr. Barry Trotz in Nashville that kept pulling me into their office and trying to talk to me. It was at one point where I went on a two-day bender, and I knew that it was going to be my time sooner than later, so I had to accept the help that was offered.”

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