It’s been just days since the Nashville Predators hired former Colorado Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland to oversee their hockey operations department.
MacFarland landed a reportedly lucrative six-year contract and will serve as both President of Hockey Operations and General Manager as he takes over the franchise.
On Friday, he made a notable addition to his front office, hiring former Avalanche defenseman and longtime Los Angeles Kings GM Rob Blake as Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations. Blake’s tenure running the Kings didn’t produce the results many expected, but his arrival gives MacFarland another experienced voice in Nashville’s leadership group.
There’s little doubt new Predators owner Bill Haslam is committed to reshaping the organization. Waiting for Colorado’s season to end before prying away a potential GM of the Year candidate was the first major move. Still, it appears MacFarland played a significant role in bringing Blake aboard.
According to TSN and The Athletic insider Pierre LeBrun, MacFarland and Blake had already discussed the possibility of Blake joining Colorado’s front office as early as the 2026-27 season. LeBrun reported that the two spoke earlier this year with the idea of Blake eventually taking on a role with the Avalanche.
Instead, Blake followed MacFarland to Nashville.
Blake was in Denver earlier this season when the Avalanche honored the 25th anniversary of the 2001 Stanley Cup championship squad. It’s possible discussions could’ve happened at that time.
As for Colorado, Joe Sakic will continue leading hockey operations for the foreseeable future. The Avalanche President of Hockey Operations is expected to assume general manager duties through the NHL Draft and free agency before the organization evaluates its long-term plans for replacing MacFarland.
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