Insider gives shaky update on Predators pursuit of Avalanche GM

The Nashville Predators’ search for a new general manager continues to stretch on, with insider Elliotte Friedman suggesting the club may be waiting for permission to speak with a top candidate, according to comments made on Monday’s edition of 32 Thoughts podcast.

Friedman described Colorado Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland as a “logical target” for Nashville, linking the timing of the Predators’ prolonged search to the possibility that they are holding position for an executive currently employed elsewhere or still active in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

“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% going there, I think that is way, way, way premature,” said Friedman.

He also stated that Nashville had previously requested to speak with Carolina Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky earlier in the process, but that permission was denied.

MacFarland, 56, has been Colorado’s general manager since July 2022, when Joe Sakic was promoted to president of hockey operations following the Avalanche’s 2022 Stanley Cup championship. Before that, MacFarland had been with the organization since the 2015-16 season. His prior experience includes a long tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2000 to 2014-15, where he served as assistant general manager and director of hockey operations, and later as GM of their AHL affiliate Springfield Thunderbirds for two seasons.

He is also among three finalists for the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year award. Friedman said that MacFarland would probably consider leaving Colorado only for a major upgrade in position, and it’s uncertain whether the Predators’ current vacancy would qualify as that kind of opportunity. His current contract is also not believed to be expiring.

The Avalanche remains active in the postseason but trails the Western Conference Final 3-0 against the Vegas Golden Knights after a 5-3 loss in Game 3, a game in which Colorado led 3-0 after the first period before collapsing.

On the Nashville side, the Predators have been without a permanent GM since Barry Trotz stepped down mid-season. The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Vancouver Canucks have already filled their general manager vacancies, leaving Nashville as the only remaining opening. The Predators finished sixth in the Central Division, missing the playoffs by four points, and have not reached the postseason since 2024.

The organization enters the offseason with 12 draft picks in the 2026 NHL Draft, including the 10th overall selection, and approximately $28 million in cap space. Nashville also faces roster decisions on forwards Erik Haula and Tyson Jost, defenseman Kevin Gravel, and restricted free agent Justin Barron, while key veterans Filip Forsberg, Roman Josi, and Juuse Saros remain under contract alongside recent additions Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei.

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