The search for the Nashville Predators' next general manager is heating up, and while no clear front-runner has emerged, the clock is ticking toward the NHL draft in June. Majority owner Bill Haslam has been deliberate in his process since Barry Trotz announced his retirement on February 2, but the team is now entering month four of its search. "It's one of those jobs everyone's going to want," Haslam said. "We're open to everything—we want the best person in this role."

With that in mind, here are five top candidates who could be wearing the Predators' colors in the front office soon:

Darren Yorke has been a steady presence in Carolina since 2010, climbing the ranks from video scout to assistant general manager. He oversaw the Hurricanes' rebuild, helping stock the roster through the draft, and was instrumental in their return to the playoffs in 2018-19 after a decade-long drought. Since then, Carolina has made the postseason eight straight times and reached the Eastern Conference final four times. That kind of sustained success is exactly what Nashville is looking for.

Brett Peterson made history when he joined the Florida Panthers as the NHL's first Black assistant general manager in 2020-21. Working under GM Bill Zito, Peterson has been part of a powerhouse organization that won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2024 and 2025, along with a Presidents' Trophy in 2022. His background as a player agent and his three-year stint as Team USA's GM at the world championships give him a unique, well-rounded perspective on talent evaluation and negotiation.

Bill Scott has been a key figure in the Edmonton Oilers' front office since 2014, serving as assistant general manager. While his name might not be as flashy as some others, his experience in a high-pressure market like Edmonton—where expectations are always sky-high—could be a major asset for a Predators team looking to build a winner.

As the search continues, one thing is clear: Nashville is casting a wide net, and the next GM will have big skates to fill. Stay tuned for updates as the draft approaches.