The Nashville Predators' future looks even brighter with the recent advancement in the front office search.
Elliotte Friedman and Pierre LeBrun reported that the Predators were granted permission to interview Colorado Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland. Details regarding his potential title are not known yet according to Friedman and LeBrun. However, the news alone is enough to signify that the Predators may not be in no man's land for much longer in their GM search.
More: according to several sources, MacFarland met face-to-face last night with owner Bill Haslam and the goal is for the Predators to close this quickly. They know they will have to hand the keys to MacFarland and are prepared to do it. Stay tuned. https://t.co/cRHBbQqheZ
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 2, 2026
Previous reports indicated that MacFarland may consider Nashville as a destination if he were to seek a promotion from GM. The Predators have openings in various management roles with both President and Vice President of Hockey Operations open to discussion along with the GM title.
MacFarland joined Colorado's front office in 2015, later being promoted to GM following the team's Stanley Cup win in 2022. The Avalanche promoted MacFarland in attempt to retain him in the system and not losing him to the Anaheim Ducks, with the position as Ducks GM later filled by Pat Verbeek. MacFarland was named a finalist for the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year.
Friedman noted that "a lateral move is unlikely," meaning that his hiring as the Predators GM is unlikely and that he would likely prefer a higher role. He hasn't been able to get that big break with Colorado as Avalanche alumni Joe Sakic serves as the team's President of Hockey Ops. After the Avalanche failed to make it to the finals for the fourth-straight season, the organization may be looking to make a change in the driver's seat.
Questions arise on whether MacFarland would take on a role in an environment like Nashville. Compared to the success of the Avalanche, the Predators carry significantly less value on paper. However, a larger presence and team role may be enough to entice MacFarland to consider taking it on.
The Predators look to wrap up their search, and they may just lock down one of the biggest names on the market to end it.
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