Predators Search for New GM Heats Up with Top Candidates Emerging

Names like Brandon Pridham, Peter Chiarelli, and Marc Bergevin surface in Nashville's hunt for a new general manager.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:05pm

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The Nashville Predators have been searching for a new general manager since Barry Trotz's retirement in February, and several high-profile candidates have emerged as potential replacements. The team is reportedly interested in speaking with Toronto Maple Leafs assistant GM Brandon Pridham, former St. Louis Blues executive Peter Chiarelli, and ex-Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin, who is currently an assistant in Buffalo. The Predators are also considering internal candidates like Florida Panthers assistant GM Brett Peterson and Edmonton Oilers assistant GM Bill Scott.

Why it matters

The Predators' next general manager will be tasked with guiding the franchise through a critical transition period, as the team looks to build on its recent playoff appearances and contend for the Stanley Cup. The choice of GM will have a major impact on the team's roster, coaching staff, and overall direction, making this a pivotal hire for the organization.

The details

According to reports, the Predators have sought permission to speak with Maple Leafs assistant GM Brandon Pridham, who is known for his expertise in salary cap management and blending 'new school' and 'old school' approaches. Former Blues executive Peter Chiarelli, who won a Stanley Cup with the Bruins in 2011, is also on Nashville's radar, as is ex-Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin, who led Montreal to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021. The team is also considering internal candidates like Panthers assistant GM Brett Peterson and Oilers assistant GM Bill Scott, who are seen as rising young executives with fresh ideas and a strong analytical background.

  • The Predators commenced their GM search in February, shortly after Barry Trotz announced his retirement.
  • The team hopes to have a new GM in place by the NHL draft in June.

The players

Bill Haslam

Majority owner of the Nashville Predators.

Brandon Pridham

Assistant general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Peter Chiarelli

Former general manager of the Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers, currently serving as a senior advisor for the St. Louis Blues.

Marc Bergevin

Former general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, currently serving as an assistant GM with the Buffalo Sabres.

Brett Peterson

Assistant general manager of the Florida Panthers, and the first Black assistant GM in NHL history.

Bill Scott

Assistant general manager of the Edmonton Oilers and general manager of their AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors.

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What they’re saying

“It's one of those jobs everyone's going to want. I think we're open to everything, we want the best person in this role.”

— Bill Haslam, Majority owner, Nashville Predators

“Brandon Pridham's approach blends 'new school' with 'old school,' plus he has a knack for salary cap wrangling.”

— Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet reporter

What’s next

The Predators hope to have a new general manager in place by the NHL draft in June.

The takeaway

The Predators' search for a new general manager has attracted a diverse pool of candidates, including experienced executives like Peter Chiarelli and Marc Bergevin, as well as rising stars like Brandon Pridham, Brett Peterson, and Bill Scott. The team's next GM will play a crucial role in shaping the franchise's future and determining its path back to Stanley Cup contention.