Predators hire Chris MacFarland as general manager

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Predators hire Chris MacFarland as general manager

Originally posted on Ball Exclusives | By Luc Muir | Last updated Jun 2, 2026 7:57 PM ET

The Nashville Predators have named Chris MacFarland as the president of hockey operations and general manager. MacFarland was formerly the general manager of the Colorado Avalanche, where he spent 11 years with the organization.

Welcome to Smashville, Chris!

We're proud to announce that Chris MacFarland has been hired as our President of Hockey Operations and General Manager.

Full details » https://t.co/gYk9a8jGPS pic.twitter.com/mqnI8DwVzm

— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) June 2, 2026

MacFarland replaces Barry Trotz, who announced his plan to retire in February. Trotz’s tenure in Nashville was disappointing, after signing Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei in free agency yet failing to make the playoffs.

MacFarland helped rebuild the Avalanche from last place in the NHL in 2016-17 to a consistent playoff team. The 56-year-old will have his hands full with a Predators team past its prime. Nashville missed the playoffs by four points, finishing with a record of 38-34-10.

The Predators hold the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, which will be a crucial piece as they likely enter a rebuild.

This article first appeared on Ball Exclusives and was syndicated with permission.

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