Why Predators' Jeff Kealty Took Over 2025 U.S. National Team

On Friday, Nashville Predators assistant general manager Jeff Kealty was named the general manager of the 2025 United States National Team

“We’re excited to have Jeff as the general manager of our men’s national team,” John Vanbiesbrouck, assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey, said of the Predators' AGM. “His experience, particularly related to his knowledge of the player pool, will be a big benefit in leading our efforts in building a team that can compete for a gold medal.”

With the Predators, Kealty has overseen American players like Nick Blankenburg, Kieffer Bellows, Vinnie Hinostroza, Michael McCarron, Tommy Novak, Brady Skjei, and Spencer Stastney, among others.

Kealty, 48, will be assisted by Vanbiesbrouck and NHL colleagues Kevyn Adams, Craig Conroy, Chris Drury, Tom Fitzgerald, Mike Grier, Bill Guerin, Lou Lamoriello, Chris MacFarland, Don Waddell, and Bill Zito in assembling the roster for 2025 U.S. Men’s National Team.

His first assignment will be the 2025 IIHF Men's World Championships, taking place between May 9 and May 25 in Herning, Denmark, and Stockholm, Sweden.

Before Kealty took over, Team USA finished in fifth place at the 2024 IIHF Men's World Championships in Czechia, posting a 5-0-1-2 record overall. That roster featured a mix of NHL prospects and stars, such as the late, great Johnny Gaudreau, captain Brady Tkachuk, Brock Nelson, Cole Caufield, Zach Werenski, Jake Sanderson, Luke Hughes, Matt Boldy, Trey Augustine, Trevor Zegras, and Ryan Leonard.

Visit The Hockey News Nashville Predators team site to stay updated on the latest Predators news, game day coverage, player features, podcasts, and more.