Despite reports of a potential conflict of interest, the Nashville Predators are moving forward with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) to assist in their search for a new general manager after Barry Trotz announced Feb. 2 that he was retiring.
On Feb. 4, reports emerged that the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) was “reviewing” the Predators‘ connection with CAA as a possible violation of the league’s regulations around certified agents.
“Regulations stipulate that any agency which represents NHL players may not also have a role in front office or coaching personnel hiring processes, even if it is being conducted by a different arm of the agency,” former Daily Faceoff director Frank Seravalli said in a post on X.
But a representative with the Predators told The Tennessean that the team is in compliance with the league’s regulations regarding certified agents and that this was not a conflict of interest.
The Predators said the NHLPA has not contacted them directly regarding its inquiry into the matter.
CAA is one of the world’s largest talent agencies, serving the entertainment and sports worlds alike. Several Predators players, including forwards Filip Forsberg and Jonathan Marchessault, are represented by CAA agents. Newest minority owner Nick Saban is represented by Jimmy Sexton, an agent with CAA.
Trotz, in his surprise retirement announcement, cited a desire to spend more time with his family amid the demands of the team’s front office duties. He will assist in the search for his replacement and stay on in an advisory role through the end of his contract in 2026-27.
Majority owner Bill Haslam has set June 30 as a target date for hiring a new general manager.
Alex Daugherty is the Predators beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Alex at jdaugherty@gannett.com. Follow Alex on X, the platform formerly called Twitter, @alexdaugherty1. Also check out our Predators exclusive Instagram page @tennessean_preds.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Predators use of CAA for GM search not conflict of interest, team says
