The Nashville Predators are officially in the market for a new general manager, and one name that’s quietly gaining traction is Vancouver Canucks assistant GM Ryan Johnson. And when you take a closer look, it’s easy to see why.
Johnson, 49, brings a rare blend of NHL experience and front office seasoning. He skated in over 700 NHL games across 13 seasons, a journeyman center known for his work ethic and leadership.
After hanging up the skates, he didn’t jump straight into the deep end of management - he built his resume from the ground up. He started with the Canucks in 2013 as a player development consultant and has steadily climbed the ranks ever since.
But what makes Johnson particularly intriguing for Nashville is more than just his hockey résumé - it’s his connection to the city and the franchise. He lives in Nashville, and his late brother, Greg Johnson, was a foundational figure for the Predators.
Greg played seven seasons with the team and wore the “C” for three of them. That kind of familial and emotional tie to the organization isn’t something you can manufacture.
It matters, especially in a market like Nashville where community identity runs deep.
The GM seat is opening up because Barry Trotz, who took over the role in 2023, announced he’ll retire once a successor is named. Trotz, of course, is a legendary figure in Nashville, having coached the team from its inception. His continued involvement in the search - he’s part of the committee tasked with finding the next GM - ensures that whoever steps into the role will be someone who understands the culture and vision of the franchise.
Predators CEO Sean Henry addressed fans directly in a letter, outlining the structure of the search. A committee has been formed, and they’ve enlisted the help of Creative Artists Agency (CAA) to help identify top candidates. Internal options haven’t been ruled out either - assistant GMs Jeff Kealty, Scott Nichol, and Brian Poile (son of longtime GM David Poile) have all been encouraged to interview.
Still, the Predators are casting a wide net. Among the names being floated are former NHL GMs like Marc Bergevin and Doug Wilson, along with rising executives such as Jamie Langenbrunner (Bruins), Brandon Pridham (Maple Leafs), Ryan Martin (Rangers), Evan Gold (Bruins), and Sunny Mehta (Panthers). Johnson was also listed among 14 potential candidates in a recent report from Elliotte Friedman, which shows that his name is circulating in serious circles.
While Johnson doesn’t have the same NHL front-office tenure as some of the other candidates, he’s hardly green. Since 2017, he’s served as general manager of the Canucks’ AHL affiliates - first in Utica and now in Abbotsford.
His work there has been widely respected, culminating in Abbotsford capturing the AHL title last spring. That’s no small feat, and it speaks volumes about his ability to build a winning culture, develop young talent, and navigate the challenges of a cap-conscious environment.
There’s no firm timeline for when the Predators will make their hire, and Trotz will continue overseeing player personnel until the new GM is in place. The team could have simply promoted from within - especially with someone like Brian Poile, who has deep roots in the organization - but the fact they’re going through a full search suggests they’re open to fresh perspectives.
As for Johnson, his stock is rising - and not just in Nashville. If the Canucks decide to make a change at the top this offseason, Johnson could be a natural candidate to take over in Vancouver.
With the team struggling, front-office shakeups are always on the table, and Johnson’s success with Abbotsford would make him an easy sell to fans who’ve been clamoring for a new voice. Just look at how popular the idea of promoting Manny Malhotra was before Adam Foote took over behind the bench.
Bottom line: Ryan Johnson checks a lot of boxes for Nashville - local ties, player development chops, and a proven track record at the AHL level. Whether the Predators see him as the right fit remains to be seen, but he’s a name worth watching as this search unfolds.