How NHLPA blocks Nashville Predators’ hunt for new general manager

The Nashville Predators now face a major setback in their search for a new general manager.

Following the resignation of Barry Trotz, the team had enlisted CAA Executive Search to lead the hunt for his replacement.

However, the move sparked immediate controversy due to CAA’s existing relationships with numerous NHL players through various agents, raising concerns over a potential conflict of interest.

Despite the Predators insisting that no conflict existed, the National Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA) stepped in, ultimately influencing the outcome of the situation. On Saturday, the Sports Business Journal confirmed that CAA Executive Search had terminated its contract with Nashville, effectively ending its involvement in the GM search.

In a statement shared with SBJ, CAA noted: “After a productive call with the NHLPA, CAA Executive Search has ended its contract with the Nashville Predators with respect to the general manager search.”

The decision highlights the challenges of working with a firm that represents high-profile players such as Sidney Crosby, Jack Eichel, Nathan MacKinnon, Patrick Kane, Cole Caufield, Dylan Larkin, Macklin Celebrini, Evgeni Malkin, David Pastrnak, and Quinn Hughes, among others.

The fallout leaves the Predators in a difficult position, now forced to find an alternative approach to filling the GM vacancy.

How this will impact the team’s front office or the timing of their hiring process remains unclear, but the NHLPA’s involvement underscores the delicate balance between league governance and the interests of players in high-stakes management decisions.