Predators waiting – Nashville’s long GM search has turned to Colorado Avalanche executive Chris MacFarland, with Elliotte Friedman saying the timing suggests the Predators may be waiting to speak—though nothing is guaranteed and no agreement is in place.
When the Nashville Predators announced their GM opening, they didn’t just put a job on the table—they opened a door that has stayed shut for months. Now, it may be that the team has a name in mind.
Colorado Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland has been floated as a “logical target” by Elliotte Friedman on Monday’s edition of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast. Friedman stopped short of calling it a done deal. but he pointed to the length of the search as evidence that Nashville may be holding off until it can make a move.
“I do not believe it’s a guarantee that he’s going to Nashville or he’s leaving Colorado. But the length of the search definitely makes it look like the Predators are waiting to talk to someone,” Friedman said.
MacFarland, 56, was promoted to Avalanche GM in July 2022 after Colorado’s Stanley Cup victory. The timing mattered: Joe Sakic was bumped up to president of hockey operations, and MacFarland stepped into the general manager role.
Friedman added that MacFarland would likely only leave Colorado for a “huge step up.” That line lands differently when paired with what has been reported recently about Nashville’s interest. On Saturday. Jonah Sigel of The Toronto Star reported that MacFarland. who remains under contract. would be taking a VP of hockey operations position with the Predators.
But Friedman pushed back on how far anything has advanced.
“I just don’t know that’s what Nashville would want to do. So I think it’s just, the safest way to put it is, I don’t believe they have permission to talk to him. I don’t believe there’s any agreement in place,” Friedman said.
“So I don’t believe this is anywhere near as far along as it’s been suggested. But do I think it’s possible they will ask to talk to him when Colorado’s season is over? Yes. But I think the idea that it’s a done deal or he’s 100 per cent going there, I think that is way, way, way premature.”
While Nashville has been waiting to sort its leadership future, Colorado has been fighting for its own. The Avalanche trail the Western Conference Final 3-0 against the Vegas Golden Knights after a 5-3 loss on Sunday. For MacFarland. that matters: it would be hard to imagine any major decision moving quickly while the postseason is still underway.
In Nashville, the pressure is different—and it has a scorecard. The Predators have been in the market for a GM since Barry Trotz announced he was stepping down after the season in February. They nearly rebounded after a slow start to make the playoffs, but they missed by four points.
They also haven’t reached the post-season since 2024, despite pricey free-agent signings such as Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault.
Now, with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks already hiring new general managers, Nashville is the lone remaining vacancy in the league’s front offices.
The contradiction at the heart of this search is simple: the Predators may be circling a familiar name, but Friedman’s message is clear that permission, agreements, and certainty are not in place—at least not yet.
Nashville Predators Colorado Avalanche Chris MacFarland general manager Elliotte Friedman 32 Thoughts: The Podcast Barry Trotz Vegas Golden Knights Western Conference Final