Chris MacFarland, who spent 11 seasons with the Colorado Avalanche and helped the club capture the Stanley Cup in 2022, announced Tuesday that he will become the Nashville Predators’ president of hockey operations and general manager.
The move comes as the Predators, despite boasting stars such as Filip Forsberg, Roman Josi, Juuse Saros and Steven Stamkos, have not advanced past the first round of the playoffs since 2018. Yet the franchise’s prospect pipeline, highlighted by the No. 5 overall pick Brady Martin in the 2025 draft, offers a promising foundation.
MacFarland’s six‑year contract reflects a long‑term commitment to a vision that blends immediate competitiveness with a draft‑centric rebuild, a strategy he described as ‘very attractive’ but not without caveats.
Ownership Influence and the Road Ahead
The Predators’ ownership group, which includes former Alabama football coach Nick Saban, brings a cross‑sport perspective that could reshape the team’s approach to talent acquisition and fan engagement.
MacFarland’s prior working relationship with coach Barry Trotz, whom he credited for his development during the Avalanche years, adds a familiar element to the new leadership structure.
Fans and analysts alike will watch closely as the Predators navigate the upcoming draft, where they hold 33 selections over the next three years, including the No. 10 overall pick later this month and two of Colorado’s 2027 picks.