The Nashville Predators announced today that Chris MacFarland will serve as the franchise’s new president of hockey operations and general manager, taking over from Barry Trotz, who revealed his exit in February.
MacFarland, who spent the last decade with the Colorado Avalanche, brings a championship pedigree after helping the club capture the 2022 Stanley Cup. His ascent began in 1999 with the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he entered the hockey operations department, and continued with a promotion to assistant general manager before rising to GM in July 2022.
The Predators conducted an exhaustive search, interviewing more than a dozen candidates before settling on MacFarland, a move praised by ownership and fans alike. The organization believes his blend of analytical insight and player development expertise will restore the team’s competitive edge.
A New Direction for Nashville
Speaking at the announcement, team owner Bill Haslam highlighted MacFarland’s track record and expressed confidence that the new leadership will craft a roster capable of contending in the Central Division. MacFarland, in turn, outlined a vision focused on sustainable growth, youth integration and aggressive free‑agent maneuvering.
The shake‑up underscores the Predators’ commitment to returning to the playoffs after a single postseason appearance under Trotz’s three‑year tenure. With a front office anchored by MacFarland, the club hopes to leverage its deep‑rooted connections in Colorado and Ohio to build a roster that can thrive in Nashville’s vibrant sports landscape.