Chris MacFarland Leaves Avalanche to Become Predators GM and President of Hockey Operations

The Nashville Predators have landed one of the NHL’s most respected front-office executives, hiring Chris MacFarland as their new general manager (GM) and President of Hockey Operations. After more than a decade helping build the Colorado Avalanche into a perennial Stanley Cup contender, MacFarland will now get the opportunity to run an organization entirely on his own terms. Reports surfaced Tuesday that Nashville was finalizing the move after receiving permission to speak with the Avalanche executive, ending weeks of speculation surrounding the Predators’ front-office search.

For Nashville, the hire represents a significant step toward returning to playoff contention after a disappointing stretch that led to Barry Trotz announcing his plans to step away from the role. The Predators were reportedly willing to be patient throughout the search process because they had their eyes on a high-profile executive under contract elsewhere, and MacFarland ultimately emerged as their top target.

What MacFarland Brings to Nashville

MacFarland’s resume speaks for itself. Before becoming Colorado’s GM in 2022, he spent seven years as Joe Sakic’s right-hand man and played a key role in one of the NHL’s most successful rebuilds. He helped oversee the transformation of the Avalanche from a last-place team in 2016-17 into a Stanley Cup champion in 2022 and a consistent Western Conference powerhouse.

His greatest strengths have been roster construction, salary-cap management, and maintaining a winning culture. Colorado consistently found value throughout the lineup while keeping its championship window open around stars such as Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Gabriel Landeskog. MacFarland earned a reputation for making calculated decisions rather than reactionary ones, something Nashville desperately needs as it looks to build around its younger core while still remaining competitive.

The Predators have talent in place with players such as Filip Forsberg, Juuse Saros, Luke Evangelista, and several promising prospects. MacFarland’s track record suggests he can help maximize those assets while identifying the right pieces to accelerate a return to contention.

A Successful Run in Colorado

Although Sakic remained President of Hockey Operations, MacFarland handled the day-to-day duties as GM beginning in 2022. During his tenure, Colorado remained among the NHL’s elite teams, continuing to challenge for the Stanley Cup on an annual basis. The Avalanche won the Presidents’ Trophy this season and once again established themselves as one of the league’s premier organizations.

His work in Colorado elevated his standing across the league and made him one of the most sought-after executives whenever an opening became available.

Why Leaving Colorado Makes Sense

From the outside, leaving a Stanley Cup contender may seem surprising. However, the opportunity in Nashville is difficult to ignore.

In Colorado, MacFarland shared the spotlight with Sakic, one of the most influential executives in hockey. While MacFarland held the GM title, Sakic remained the ultimate decision-maker as President of Hockey Operations. Nashville offers something different: complete control of hockey operations. Reports indicated that MacFarland would only consider leaving Colorado for a significant promotion, and becoming both GM and President of Hockey Operations checks that box.

For any executive, the chance to shape every aspect of an organization is rare. MacFarland will now get to establish the vision, oversee roster decisions, direct scouting and player development, and determine the long-term future of the franchise without another executive sitting above him in the hockey hierarchy.

For the Predators, it is a bold move aimed at changing the trajectory of the franchise. For MacFarland, it is the natural next step in a career that has steadily climbed toward one ultimate goal: running his own team.