Predators hire Avalanche general manager as president of hockey operations

The Nashville Predators have hired the Colorado Avalanche general manager as their new president of hockey operations and general manager. The team owner said the organization conducted an exhaustive search and met with several qualified candidates.

He added that the new hire turned out to be a perfect fit for the role. The Avalanche granted permission for their division rival to speak with the executive. The Predators had been searching for a general manager since February, when the previous officeholder announced he was stepping aside after three years.

Background on the hire The new president of hockey operations receives a promotion with the added title. PuckPedia projects the team will have $27.2 million in available cap space to address a roster that finished four points behind another Western Conference club for the final wild-card spot.

The team has missed the playoffs in three of the last four years. The incoming executive inherits a roster that blends experienced players with younger talent developed through the system.

Avalanche response The Avalanche issued a statement saying their president of hockey operations will lead the team through the draft and free agency before reassessing the front-office structure. The team is projected to have less than $3 million in cap space, according to PuckPedia.

Four defensemen are pending unrestricted free agents, and a two-time Norris Trophy winner is entering the final year of his contract before becoming an unrestricted free agent after the 2026-27 season. Sources say the Avalanche have not had conversations about the head coach's future, signaling he is likely to return.