NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – The Nashville Predators introduced Chris MacFarland as their new president of hockey operations and general manager at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday.
The Predators announced MacFarland’s hire less than 24 hours before presenting him to the media. The organization spent four months searching for its new hockey executive.
MacFarland spent the last four years as general manager of the Colorado Avalanche. He has 11 years of experience in the NHL.
The Predators combined the president of hockey operations and general manager roles into one position. The Avalanche divided those responsibilities between two employees, as do many NHL organizations.
MacFarland helped lead the Avalanche to nine consecutive playoff berths, two Western Conference Finals appearances and the Stanley Cup in 2022.
He was a finalist for the NHL’s Jim Gregory Award, given to the league’s best general manager.
MacFarland said it took a significant opportunity to consider leaving Colorado.
“It was going to take a hell of an opportunity and situation to get me to think about leaving Colorado. I loved everything about it,” MacFarland said. “I asked is the goal to make the playoffs and high-five each other or is the goal here to build a team that can compete and try to bring a Stanley Cup to Broadway. He didn’t hesitate. That’s all I needed to hear.”
MacFarland said he will consult with other NHL executives who hold the president title as he adjusts to the dual role.
“I will talk to some of the guys around the league that have the president title. I’ll pick their brain, I’m going to need to learn a little bit exactly with that, but I think at the end of the day, I’m just looking to build,” MacFarland said.
Predators CEO Bill Henry said the dual role represents a promotion and recognition of MacFarland’s accomplishments.
“This is a promotion up and a recognition of who he is and what he is and what he’s accomplished. So, it was almost a natural to make that happen, I’m just so excited about it,” Henry said.
The NHL draft later this month will be one of his first major responsibilities in Nashville.
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