Nashville Predators: Mount Rushmore of Predators Players

In 18 years of hockey in the NHL, the Nashville Predators have seen their fair share of hockey greats suit up in Predator gold.

In 1998, the Nashville Predators became the 27th team in the NHL, as part of the league’s expansion. Since then, in 18 seasons of play, the Predators have hosted many NHL greats, and talent that has done wonderful things. The Predators have had 18 All-Star Game selections, an All-Rookie Team selection, first and second team All-Stars, and two Hockey Hall of Famers.

With the abundance of greatness that has skated in Nashville in just 18 short seasons, some players have distinguished themselves more than others. Who has done the most? This is my Mount Rushmore of all-time Predator greats.

Fourth All Time

First up is former Predator right-winger, Steve Sullivan. Sullivan joined the Nashville Predators before the 2005-2006 season, after spending the previous 11 seasons between the New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Chicago Blackhawks. In just five short seasons, Sullivan established himself as a Predator great through scrappy and speedy offensive play.

Sullivan played 317 games in Nashville, and tallied 100 goals and 163 assists during that time. His 100 goals are 7th all time in franchise history. The 163 assists are 8th best. Sullivan finished his Predator career with 263 points, a number that is 6th best in franchise history. He also sits top five in the franchise record books in power play goals, short-handed goals, and goals created. His +34 is 7th best all time. Sullivan is tied for most hat tricks in franchise history as well, with four.

Although Sullivan only played one full 82 game season for the Predators, due to injury, he still managed to record two 60+ point seasons, and one 50+ point year. At 5 foot 9 inches, 165 pounds, Sullivan was never an enforcer. His style of play did not match his size though, as he fought for pucks on the boards, and would put his body in the line of fire, in order to help the team. His speed and agility with the puck made him a nightmare to defend. Sullivan’s skilled hands and quick shot produced strong offense for the Predators.

It was a shame when he signed with Pittsburgh in 2011, however he will not be forgotten. Sullivan’s play in Nashville earned him a spot on the Predators Mount Rushmore.

Third All Time

The next spot goes to long-time Predator right-winger Martin Erat. The Nashville Predators chose Erat 191st overall in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. Erat made his debut at 20 years old during the 2001-2002 season. In 723 career games in Predator gold, Erat tallied 163 goals and 318 assists. His 163 goals are third best in franchise history, and his 318 assists, second best. Erat sits second all time in points, goals created, even-strength goals, and game winning goals. He is third all time in shots, power-play goals, and gamed played.

Erat sits pretty on almost every offensive leaderboard for a reason: he was a solid winger, top to bottom. He wasn’t the fastest or hardest-shooting player on the ice, however he made up for it with his hockey IQ. Erat played a smart game, knew how to fits pucks into gaps, and could take advantage of what he was given. He could maneuver the boards, and find his way to the net in almost every situation. He had soft hands, could handle the puck well, and always could find an open teammate.

It’s sad that many see Erat’s best contribution to the organization, as when he was traded in exchange for Filip Forsberg in 2012. Martin Erat was one of the few Predators who hung with the organization through thick and thin. He played exceptional hockey for 11 years in Nashville, and should be remembered for it. Martin, you earned yourself a spot atop the Predators Mount Rushmore.

Second All Time

The next spot on the Predators Mount Rushmore is given to the beloved former captain, Shea Weber. The Predators drafted Weber 49th overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Shea spent the first 11 years of his illustrious career in Nashville, six of those while wearing the captain’s ‘C’. In his 11 seasons in a Predators uniform, Weber played 763 games. In that time, he amassed 166 goals and 277 assists. His 443 points are third best in Predators history.

Weber finished his Nashville career near the top of almost every single leaderboard. He sits second all time in games played, goals, and plus/minus. Weber is third all time in assists and points. He also ranks third all time in goals created, even-strength goals, and game-winning goals. Weber sits alone atop the leaderboard for shots and power play goals.

Shea Weber is the quintessential hard-nosed defenseman. He stands tall at 6 foot 4 inches, 235 pounds. He skated with authority, laid powerful hits, and possessed a booming 100+ mph slap shot that was the hardest in the league for many years, and still might be.

Shea moved well for a defenseman his size. He had great vision and could read the whole ice at one time. He could quarterback a power play as well as any other defenseman in the game. Shea did it all, as far as I’m concerned. Likewise, his outstanding play earned him five All-Star selections while in Nashville. He could even be on a Hall of Fame track, if he continues to dominate the blue line like he has for so many years.

Shea was as good a defenseman as you can find nowadays, and an even better leader. The team loved him, the city loved him, and it was a shame to have to lose him. Shea you’ve more than earned a spot on the Predators Mount Rushmore.

The Greatest in Predator History

Now it’s time for the best of all time. The king of the Predators Mount Rushmore. Many feel that Weber is the best to ever suit up for Nashville, so if he is number two, then who is number one? That’s right, the original Nashville Predator: David Legwand.

With their first pick in franchise history, the Nashville Predators chose David Legwand 2nd overall in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. Legwand debuted the very next season at the age of 18, but didn’t see significant time until the following year. Legwand spent 15 seasons in Nashville, and accumulated 210 goals and 356 assists during that time. Since Legwand is the longest tenured player in franchise history, it’s no surprise that he is atop almost every offensive leaderboard.

Legwand is currently first in Predators franchise history in games played, goals, assists, points, goals created, even-strength goals, and game-winning goals. He sits second in shots and short-handed goals, and sixth in power play goals. Simply put, he’s the best to ever suit up in a Predators uniform.

When healthy, Legwand was good for anywhere from 40-60 points. He led the Predators in a time when many didn’t know if hockey would survive in Nashville. Legwand was there to make sure that we fans would have a team to cheer for.

Legwand did it all during his 15 years in Nashville. He passed, he scored, he led, and most importantly, he helped get the new franchise off of the ground. For his many years of faithful service to the city and the organization, along with exceptional play on the ice, David Legwand has earned the top spot on the Predators Mount Rushmore.