Former Avs great Rob Blake joins old GM MacFarland in Nashville

Former Colorado Avalanche great Rob Blake has taken a new job.

It won’t be with the organization he hoisted the Stanley Cup for in 2001.

Instead, Blake is joining former Avs GM Chris MacFarland in Nashville with the Predators. MacFarland was named their new president and GM earlier this week and now Blake has taken the title of EVP of hockey operations.

Blake played for Colorado from the end of the 2001 season through 2006. He was a trade deadline acquisition who helped the Avalanche earn another title, not getting the same headlines as the legendary Ray Bourque, but still a huge addition.

And a report from NHL insider Pierre LeBrun on Friday will catch the attention of Colorado fans. Apparently, Blake discussed working for the Avs under MacFarland. Instead, the two will join forces in Nashville.

Rob Blake had talked to Chris MacFarland during the season about maybe joining him in Colorado next season. Instead, he joins him in Nashville. Excellent hire by the Preds who are on a roll. https://t.co/A5NjrYtOPJ

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 5, 2026

Rob Blake was the GM of the Los Angeles Kings from 2017-2025 before “mutually parting ways” at the end of last season after another first-round playoff exit.

He’s deeply respected in the hockey world and would’ve been a nice addition to the Avalanche’s front office, but he’s landed with the Predators.

Despite their success during the regular season winning the Presidents’ Trophy, the Avs are in a bit of transition. MacFarland is gone and Joe Sakic has been named GM for the “foreseeable future.” It would’ve been great to pair the old teammates Blake and Sakic back together.

Instead, coming off a shocking sweep in the Western Conference Final by the Vegas Golden Knights, it’ll be up to Sakic to make the necessary tweaks for the Avalanche to win another championship.

And MacFarland and Rob Blake will try to rebuild a Nashville team that one day hopes to compete with Colorado again.

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