The first team to have a general manager opening is the last to fill it — but the Nashville Predators could have a name in mind.
Colorado Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland is a “logical target” for the Predators, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said on Monday’s edition of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast.
“I do not believe it’s a guarantee that he’s going to Nashville or he’s leaving Colorado. But the length of the search definitely makes it look like the Predators are waiting to talk to someone,” Friedman said.
Nashville has been in the market for a GM since Barry Trotz announced he was stepping down after the season in February.
MacFarland, 56, was promoted to Avalanche GM in July 2022 following the team’s Stanley Cup victory as Joe Sakic was bumped up to president of hockey operations.
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He likely would not leave the Avalanche unless it was a “huge step up,” per Friedman. On Saturday, Jonah Sigel of The Toronto Star reported that MacFarland, who remains under contract, would be taking a VP of hockey operations position with the Predators.
“I just don’t know that’s what Nashville would want to do. So I think it’s just, the safest way to put it is, I don’t believe they have permission to talk to him. I don’t believe there’s any agreement in place,” Friedman said.
“So I don’t believe this is anywhere near as far along as it’s been suggested. But do I think it’s possible they will ask to talk to him when Colorado’s season is over? Yes. But I think the idea that it’s a done deal or he’s 100 per cent going there, I think that is way, way, way premature.”
The Avalanche trail the Western Conference Final 3-0 against the Vegas Golden Knights after a 5-3 loss on Sunday.
Meanwhile, after a slow start, the Predators nearly rebounded to make the playoffs but wound up missing by four points. Nashville has not reached the post-season since 2024 despite pricey free-agent signings like Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault.
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks have already hired new general managers, leaving the Predators as the lone remaining vacancy.
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