MacFarland aims to build Nashville Predators into playoff contender
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 3, 2026, 7:38 PM
Last updated Jun 3, 2026
Chris MacFarland was introduced as the new president of hockey operations and general manager of the Nashville Predators on June 3, 2026. He aims to transform the franchise, which has missed the playoffs in three of the last four seasons, into a competitive team similar to his previous organization, the Colorado Avalanche. MacFarland emphasized the need to escape the 'mushy middle' status, where the team struggles to secure high draft picks while being unable to contend for championships. He will begin by consulting with the coaching staff and evaluating the team's upcoming No. 10 draft pick. The Predators are looking for incremental improvements as MacFarland assesses the current roster and potential trade opportunities.
- •Chris MacFarland introduced as Predators GM on June 3, 2026.
- •Team missed playoffs in three of last four seasons.
- •MacFarland aims to avoid 'mushy middle' status for Predators.
- •The Predators hold the No. 10 pick in the upcoming draft.
- •Consultations with coaching staff and roster evaluation are planned.
- 7:38 PMYahoo Sports — MacFarland steps into Predators' front office, pushes to escape 'mushy middle' and build contender
"Before Chris MacFarland moved forward with his new duties and his task of turning around a franchise, he took a moment to look back. The president of hockey operations/general manager of the Nashville Predators thanked his old boss, Joe Sakic, on Wednesday at his introductory news conference and his old team, the Colorado Avalanche, for giving him a chance. Then, on to his next assignment: Building the Predators, a team that's missed the postseason in three of the past four seasons, into a perennial Cup contender, much like his old team.
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