Chris MacFarland Hired as President of Hockey Operations and General Manager of the Nashville Predators

On June 2 2026, Nashville Predators chairman Bill Haslam announced that Chris MacFarland, 56, will become the club’s president of hockey operations and general manager, succeeding Barry Trotz, who will move to an advisory role after announcing his retirement in February.

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MacFarland joined Colorado Avalanche in 2015, became assistant GM, and was promoted to GM in July 2022. He helped assemble the 2022 Stanley Cup roster, guided Colorado to the 2025-26 Presidents’ Trophy (121 points) and nine playoff berths. Prior to Colorado he spent 14 seasons with Columbus Blue Jackets. Predators missed playoffs three of the last four seasons and have not advanced past the first round since 2017.

Loveland Reporter-Herald

• Avalanche (2022-26): 2022 Stanley Cup, 2025-26 Presidents’ Trophy (121 points), 205 wins in four seasons, two division titles, nine straight playoff berths.

Predators Hire Chris MacFarland as President of Hockey Operations and General Manager

• Predators (2025-26): 38-34-10 record, four points shy of the Western Conference wild-card; missed playoffs in 2024-25 (30-44-8).

Predators hire Chris MacFarland as GM and president of hockey operations

Predators chairman Bill Haslam said the search yielded qualified candidates but MacFarland was the “perfect fit” for the organization. CEO Sean Henry called him a “proven builder” who can propel Nashville. MacFarland thanked the Haslams, expressed gratitude to his family and confidence in fans. The Avalanche, via vice-chairman Josh Kroenke, thanked MacFarland for his role in the 2022 championship and said president Joe Sakic will resume GM duties through the draft.

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Analysts note that Nashville’s recent cap constraints and a roster that fell four points short of a wild-card spot make it uncertain whether MacFarland can replicate Colorado’s success. The team’s three-year playoff drought also fuels skepticism about immediate impact.

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Sources differ on Colorado’s playoff streak, citing nine straight appearances (2026) or four under MacFarland’s GM tenure. Reports also vary on whether MacFarland spent ten or eleven seasons with the Avalanche. No comment has been made on head coach Jared Bednar.

The Tennessean

• “We could not be more pleased that Chris has elected to join the Predators organization and lead our hockey operations group.” — Bill Haslam, Predators chairman.

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• “My wife Chandra and I, together with our children, are grateful to Bill and Crissy Haslam and the entire Nashville Predators family for this opportunity.” — Chris MacFarland, incoming President/GM.

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• “I am pleased to welcome ‘C-Mac’ to the Predators organization, and I pledge to help him fulfill his vision in any way that I can for the next year,” — Barry Trotz, former Predators GM.

Predators Hire Chris MacFarland as President of Hockey Operations and General Manager

• “We would like to thank Chris for all he did for the Avalanche organization. Chris was instrumental in our success over the last decade and a key part of our 2022 Stanley Cup championship,” — Josh Kroenke, Avalanche vice chairman.

Avs president Sakic to resume GM duties for ‘foreseeable future’ after MacFarland’s exit

MacFarland will oversee the Predators’ preparation for the 2026 NHL Draft (June 26-27) and the July 1 free-agency opening. The Avalanche will conduct the draft with Joe Sakic as GM and assess its front-office structure after the Western Conference Final sweep.

ESPN