NHL Investigating Nashville Predators for Rule Violation Amid GM Search

The Predators may have a conflict of interest in hiring a firm that represents some of their players.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 6:39pm

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The NHL is investigating the Nashville Predators for potentially violating league rules by hiring Creative Arts Agency (CAA) to lead their search for a new general manager. CAA represents over 150 NHL players, including two Predators players, which could create a conflict of interest. The NHLPA is reviewing the Predators' hiring of CAA to ensure it does not violate regulations that stipulate an agency representing players cannot also have a role in front office or coaching personnel hiring processes.

Why it matters

This investigation highlights the importance of maintaining clear separation between player representation and team management in professional sports leagues. If teams are allowed to hire firms that represent their own players to lead executive searches, it could create unfair advantages and undermine the integrity of player-team negotiations.

The details

The Predators announced they were enlisting CAA to help find a replacement for outgoing GM Barry Trotz, who is retiring at the end of the 2025 season. However, CAA represents over 150 NHL players, including Predators forward Filip Forsberg and defenseman Andreas Englund. This creates a potential conflict of interest, as the NHLPA's agent certification rules stipulate that an agency's sole purpose is to fight for the best interests of players in all negotiations, but if that agency is also serving team ownership groups, they may be less incentivized to fully represent the players' interests.

  • On Monday, Barry Trotz announced he would be stepping down as Predators GM and retiring at the end of the 2025 season.
  • In December, Trotz informed Predators owner Bill Haslam of his plans to step away.

The players

Barry Trotz

The outgoing general manager of the Nashville Predators, who is retiring at the end of the 2025 season.

David Poile

The Hockey Hall of Famer who was named the original general manager of the Nashville Predators in 1998.

Filip Forsberg

A forward for the Nashville Predators, who is represented by the Creative Arts Agency (CAA).

Andreas Englund

A defenseman for the Nashville Predators, who is also represented by the Creative Arts Agency (CAA).

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What they’re saying

“The @NHLPA is reviewing #Preds hiring of @CAA_Sports to conduct GM search for potential conflict of interest violation of the certified agent regulations. Regulations stipulate that any agency which represents #NHL players may not also have a role in front office or coaching personnel hiring processes - even if it is being conducted by a different arm of the agency.”

— Frank Seravalli, NHL Insider

What’s next

The NHL and NHLPA are expected to continue their investigation into whether the Predators' hiring of CAA to lead their GM search violates league rules.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of maintaining clear boundaries between player representation and team management in professional sports. Allowing firms that represent players to also be involved in hiring team executives could create conflicts of interest and undermine the integrity of player-team negotiations.