What happened: Troy Renck reports that Colorado Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland could be taking a job with the Nashville Predators. Additional reporting indicates MacFarland met face-to-face with Predators owner Bill Haslam, with Nashville hoping to close the move quickly. Colorado reportedly tried to keep him, making multiple offers to retain its GM.
Why it matters: Losing MacFarland would mean a significant front-office change for a Colorado team that has given itself every chance to contend but underachieved in the playoffs the last two seasons. The Predators reportedly framed the role as a promotion with more decision-making power, which Renck suggests MacFarland has earned. The Avalanche have already moved to stabilize, as Nashville was granted permission to speak with the Colorado executive earlier this week.
What to watch: Watch for an official announcement from Nashville on MacFarland's hire and how Colorado fills the role, with reporting indicating the front office could be run on an acting basis in the interim.