Nashville Predators: Best Predators To Have A Drink With

The Nashville Predators’ recent play makes many of us want a drink. Which Predator would be the most fun to have a night on the town with?

Every NHL season has its ups & downs. The Nashville Predators had a really good stretch in November & December, so you had to know that things would even out. Bad times are bound to happen at some point every season, unless you’re the Vegas Golden Knights.

It’s even worse from a fan’s perspective when the bad stretch includes a West Coast trip. The late start times are annoying enough as it is. Most of us have jobs and/or families. Staying up until 1 AM for hockey makes life more difficult for most of us. At least when the Predators win, it seems worthwhile. When they don’t, you wonder what the heck you’re doing with your life.

I’ll be honest. Watching the Nashville Predators lately makes me want to drink.

This revelation got me thinking. Which Predators would be the most fun to have a beer with? For those of you that don’t partake in alcohol, you may replace “beer” with whatever your favorite beverage is. I think Number One is a fairly obvious selection, but after that things get tricky.

I can’t base this list on anything other than hunches & speculation. As somebody that speaks only English, I’m surely selling the European players short. As English isn’t their first language, I would be wary that they were talking trash about me behind my back. I get a little paranoid sometimes.

With that being said, here are the top five Nashville Predators to have a drink with.

5. Cody McLeod

The best thing about McLeod is that he always has your back. If you got into trouble with somebody at the bar, he’d be the first one ready to throw down. That’s why he’s one of the most popular players inside the Predators locker room.

I’m a big Cody McLeod guy and am tempted to rate him higher. The one problem: He likes to start fights too. I’m not a fighter. I go along to get along. I don’t need somebody out with me looking to start fights. If bad things happen and the night goes that direction, Cody is great to have with you. I worry that when we walk in Cody would be sizing everybody up and looking for the biggest dog to go after. I don’t need that kind of drama.

4. Austin Watson

Some Predators writers often refer to Austin Watson as a version of Cody McLeod that’s good at hockey. Much like the Predators’ experienced enforcer, Watson will drop his gloves at the drop of a hat. He even beats McLeod to it sometimes.

Recently, Watson has had to tone down his act a bit. He got suspended two games for boarding Colorado Avalanche rookie Dominic Toninato during November 18th’s game. For the next eighteen months, Watson needs to make sure he doesn’t get suspended again or he’ll lose more money.

That caution makes him a better running buddy than McLeod. Watson will at least think a few moments before he hits somebody, and he won’t be looking for a fight.

3. Craig Smith

Sometimes you’re looking for more than a beverage at the bar. You can’t help but notice a stranger that might be looking at you too. If you’re anything like me you need a little help in that regard. Not all of us were born with the gift of gab. Getting up the nerve to chat with unfamiliar people can be hard.

That’s where Craig Smith comes in handy. Smith always seemed like a decent dude, but the St. Louis Blues game on December 27 showed a different side of our favorite cheesehead.

A man who will go shirtless for an interview is a man that is comfortable with himself. Smith’s positive mental attitude rubs off on those around him. I imagine hanging with him would give a person the self-confidence they need to do things they might not ordinarily do.

2. Scott Hartnell

We’ve already mentioned the advantages of having somebody with you that’s ready in case of a fight. Hartnell definitely qualifies in that regard. He’s a grizzled veteran that you don’t want mad at you.

The veteran status is another reason why Scott Hartnell rates so highly. As the oldest player on the Nashville Predators, Hartnell has the most stories. He was on the Predators back in the days when a franchise move seemed likely. He played in Philadelphia & Columbus, crossing paths with countless legends of the game along the way.

There’s always that guy at the bar telling stories that become more interesting as the night goes on. I figure Scott Hartnell would be that guy.