Predators hire Rob Blake as executive VP of hockey operations

A former NHL general manager is taking on a different role with a new team.

On Friday, new Nashville Predators GM Chris MacFarland announced that the team has hired Rob Blake as the team’s new executive vice president of hockey operations.

MacFarland noted that bringing on the Hockey Hall of Famer is a big addition to the front office.

“We are ecstatic to welcome Rob Blake to the Nashville Predators as our executive vice president of hockey operations,” MacFarland said in a release. “He brings a wealth of knowledge in management and I will rely on him to assist me in many areas across the department as we look to build a winning team in Smashville. I couldn’t think of a better person to join me and the organization on this journey.”

Blake admitted how elated her is to start a new position with an established GM.

“My family and I are very excited to join the Predators franchise and would like to thank Chris MacFarland for his trust in me,” Blake said. “This is an organization with a great history and a very bright future, and I am thrilled to be a part of it. I am grateful to work with Chris, who is one of the best general managers in today’s game, and build something special here in Nashville.”

Blake was last in the NHL with the Los Angeles Kings, serving as GM from 2017 until the end of the 2024-25 season, when he and the team parted ways. Blake was a key part in helping restore the Kings to not only be a competitive team, but a consistent playoff contender. However, four straight losses to Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers led to the decision for the organization to turn the page to its next chapter.

MacFarland was hired on Tuesday, replacing legendary head coach Barry Trotz. The duo now sets their sights on trying to take the Predators from a team in the mushy middle of the Western Conference to consistently being in the hunt for a playoff spot once again.