SMASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – The Nashville Predators have announced they’ve hired Chris MacFarland as the new president of hockey operations and general manager.
MacFarland is replacing Barry Trotz after spending 11 seasons with the Colorado Avalanche, with the past four seasons as their general manager.
He is the third GM in franchise history for the Preds.
Previous: Nashville Predators GM stepping down
MacFarland helped build Colorado’s 2022 Stanley Cup championship team — the Avalanche have made the playoffs in nine straight seasons. During his tenure as their GM, Colorado won the 2025-26 Presidents’ Trophy, captured two division titles and led the NHL with 205 wins.
More: Legendary football coach Nick Saban purchases minority stake in Nashville Predators
“We could not be more pleased that Chris has elected to join the Predators organization and lead our hockey operations group,” Predators Chairman and Majority Owner Bill Haslam said. “We conducted an exhaustive search and were able to meet with several very qualified and impressive candidates, but all along, we were hopeful to interview Chris. He turned out to be a perfect fit for us – just what we were looking for to lead our organization moving forward.”
Trotz exits his role after three seasons as the GM for Nashville.
Copyright 2026 WSMV. All rights reserved.