Story perspectives

MacFarland named Predators president, aims for Stanley Cup

6/3/2026

Summary

Predators Hire MacFarland

On June 2, 2026 the Nashville Predators appointed Chris MacFarland as president of hockey operations and GM.
MacFarland spent 11 seasons with Colorado Avalanche, serving as assistant GM from 2015, GM from July 2022, and helping win the 2022 Stanley Cup and the 2025-26 Presidents’ Trophy.
He replaces Barry Trotz after three missed playoffs in four seasons, prompting Bill Haslam to call MacFarland a fit and to vow to chase the Stanley Cup.

Summary

Sakic Remains GM

Joe Sakic will serve as Avalanche general manager through the June 2026 NHL draft.
After MacFarland’s exit, the Avalanche’s prospect pool and draft-pick assets are among the league’s shallowest after years of aggressive trading.
The team captured the Presidents’ Trophy with a franchise-record 121 points in 2025-26, then suffered a sweep in the Western Conference Final.
Head coach Jared Bednar is confirmed to stay on for the next season despite earlier speculation.

History

Historical Context

In 2022 the Colorado Avalanche captured their third Stanley Cup, and in the 2025-26 season they earned the Presidents’ Trophy with a league-best 55 wins. Those successes have made Avalanche executives attractive hires; Nashville hired Chris MacFarland to its front office as it seeks to reverse three playoff misses. The move reflects a trend of recycling proven management to restore competitiveness.

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Predators Hire MacFarland

On June 2, 2026 the Nashville Predators appointed Chris MacFarland as president of hockey operations and GM.
MacFarland spent 11 seasons with Colorado Avalanche, serving as assistant GM from 2015, GM from July 2022, and helping win the 2022 Stanley Cup and the 2025-26 Presidents’ Trophy.
He replaces Barry Trotz after three missed playoffs in four seasons, prompting Bill Haslam to call MacFarland a fit and to vow to chase the Stanley Cup.

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