A Quiet Architect of Success
When Scott Howson, then the general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets, sat down with broadcaster Bob Stauffer in the late 1990s, he was already scouting the next generation of front‑office talent. In that conversation he singled out a young Chris MacFarland, noting a rare blend of intelligence, work ethic and an unassuming demeanor that set the young executive apart.
MacFarland entered the Blue Jackets organization in 1999, climbing the ladder behind the scenes. By 2008, Howson had promoted him to assistant general manager, a testament to the confidence the veteran GM placed in his protégé’s analytical mind and relentless preparation.
After Jarmo Kekalainen took the reins in Columbus, MacFarland sought new challenges and joined the Colorado Avalanche staff as an assistant to Joe Sakic. Two years later, the Avalanche rewarded his rise by appointing him general manager in 2022, shortly after the club captured its second Stanley Cup.
Though his four‑year stint as GM did not culminate in another championship, MacFarland’s influence was evident in the team’s player development pipelines and strategic roster moves. His quiet leadership style continued to earn respect across the league, paving the way for his next step.
In 2023 the Nashville Predators announced MacFarland as their new president of hockey operations and general manager. The move brings his meticulous approach to a franchise eager to translate steady growth into playoff contention, completing a trajectory that began with a simple endorsement from Howson two decades earlier.