MacFarland Speculation Signals Nashville Patience in GM Search

Elliotte Friedman reported on May 25 that the Nashville Predators GM search may extend until after the Colorado Avalanche season ends so the team can request permission to speak with Chris MacFarland.

Length of Search Points to Specific Target

Friedman noted on the 32 Thoughts podcast that the extended timeline makes MacFarland a logical target because the Predators previously sought permission to speak with Carolina Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky and received a rejection. The same dynamic applies to MacFarland, who remains under contract with Colorado beyond the current season. Friedman stressed that no agreement exists and that Colorado would reject any request made while the Avalanche remain active in the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs. He added that MacFarland has already turned down external interest once when Anaheim sought him during Joe Sakic’s tenure, leading to his promotion instead.

MacFarland has served as Avalanche general manager since 2022 after working under Sakic since 2015. His contract status blocks any immediate move, and Friedman confirmed he would only depart for a substantial promotion rather than a lateral general manager position. Nashville’s interest appears tied to the possibility of elevating MacFarland to vice president of hockey operations, a step up from his current title.

Avalanche Loyalty and Contract Realities

Colorado values MacFarland highly, as demonstrated by Sakic’s decision to deny Anaheim permission and promote him internally in prior years. Friedman referenced his notes from that earlier search to illustrate the organization’s commitment. MacFarland has overseen roster continuity that kept the Avalanche competitive after their championship window, including key trades such as the Mikko Rantanen–Martin Necas deal.

The Predators cannot interview MacFarland until Colorado’s season concludes. Friedman believes Nashville will ask permission at that point but views any assumption of an imminent hire as premature. Reports from May 23 by Jonah Sigel of the Toronto Star first generated buzz about MacFarland potentially joining Nashville in a vice president role, yet Friedman pushed back that the situation remains far from settled.

Potential Outcomes After Playoffs

If Colorado grants permission post-elimination, Nashville would need to present a clear title upgrade to attract MacFarland. Anything less would likely fail given his stated preference to remain with the Avalanche when given the choice in the past. The Predators’ tenth-overall pick in the 2026 NHL draft adds urgency to stabilizing the front office before that selection occurs.

Friedman concluded that the safest assessment is the absence of any deal or permission request to date. Nashville’s patience therefore reflects strategic waiting rather than indecision, but the outcome hinges on Colorado’s playoff exit and the precise scope of any offer made to MacFarland.