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Nashville Predators: Jerseys That Have a Chance to Be Retired

By Ryan Veal |
SAN JOSE, CA - MAY 1: Shea Weber #6 of the Nashville Predators looks on during the game against the San Jose Sharks in Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center on May 1, 2016 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Rocky W. Widner/NHL/Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CA - MAY 1: Shea Weber #6 of the Nashville Predators looks on during the game against the San Jose Sharks in Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center on May 1, 2016 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Rocky W. Widner/NHL/Getty Images)
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At the end of last season, the Nashville Predators had 280 players(17 goaltenders and 263 skaters) that had at least played one game for the franchise in the regular or post-season since their first seasoning in the NHL in1998. Only a few of those players are in consideration for a jersey retirement. I have only four players that I think are considered for this. Many years down the road, names like Roman Josi, or Filip Forsberg or even Viktor Arvidsson aren’t on that list yet.

It’s not easy to get your jersey retired. It means you’ve reached legendary status. You can’t hand these out casually. However, there are a few players that have a chance to

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David Legwand(1998-14)

The first drafted player in the organization’s history. He played almost 1,000 games during his tenure with the Nashville Predators. He totaled 566 points(210 goals, 356 assists) in his 956 games. He holds team records for games played, points, goals, and assists. Usually teams retire numbers for players who have really good careers and accomplishments.

If you asked a random hockey fan about Legwand, most people wouldn’t know who he was, unless you were a team he played for or you know your hockey. He played a major role into what the Predators organization is today. He helped bring fans to the game and showed Tennessee what hockey was. His loyalty to the organization will never go unnoticed. He’s the original player of the franchise, which adds to his aura.

Predators fans will go back and forth on whether or not his jersey will get retired or not. Legwand should have his jersey in the rafters, but more than likely I don’t see it happening. Here are some stats that may back him up:

–105th in NHL history in games played(1,136). It’s a high number, but a lot of players don’t make it to 1,000 games, so that’s a good accomplishment.

–232nd in NHL history in assists(390). Again, big number, but hard to accomplish.

–277th in NHL history in points(618). Out of 1,136 games, that honestly isn’t bad at all.

–205th in NHL history in game-winning goals(43)

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Mike Fisher (2010-2018)

Mike Fisher is the only Predators player on the list that wasn’t drafted by the team. He was drafted in the second round (44th overall) in the 1998 NHL Draft by the Ottawa Senators. He played 11 seasons with the franchise before being traded to the Nashville Predators. On February 10, 2011, the Predators traded their first round-pick (Stefan Noesen) and a conditional pick in 2012 (Jarrod Maidens) in exchange for Fisher. It was a match made in heaven for both parties.

His wife (Carrie Underwood) is one of the biggest country music stars in the world who was living in the area, and the Predators just so happened to also needed a center. Fisher brought leadership and skill immediately to the team. Even though Shea Weber was the captain, Fisher was an alternate captain before being named the sixth captain in franchise history in 2016.

In his eight-year career with the Predators, he totaled 241 points(111 goals, 130 assists) in 429 games with the organization. Fisher was a fan favorite on and off the ice. played a big role in the community. He was awarded the NHL Foundation Player Award in the 2011-2012 season for his commitment, perseverance and commitment for enriching the lives people in his community. Like Legwand, Fisher’s case is also debatable, but the next two should have it retired.

Here are some stats to help his case.

–128th in NHL history in games played(1,104)

–228th in NHL history in goals(278)

–311th in NHL history in assists(311)

–304th in NHL history in points(589)

WINNIPEG, CANADA – OCTOBER 17: Shea Weber #6 of the Nashville Predators plays the puck along the boards during second period action against the Winnipeg Jets on October 17, 2014 at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Preds defeated the Jets 2-0. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images)
WINNIPEG, CANADA – OCTOBER 17: Shea Weber #6 of the Nashville Predators plays the puck along the boards during second period action against the Winnipeg Jets on October 17, 2014 at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Preds defeated the Jets 2-0. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Shea Weber (2005-16)

Nashville drafted Weber in the second round (49th Overall) in the 2003 Entry Draft. He went on to be the best defenseman in franchise history. He was one of most beloved Predators of all-time. Great person on and off the ice. His leadership earned him the captaincy in the 2010 season until 2016.

Weber finished second in the Norris Trophy (best defenseman) voting twice. His accolades with the Predators were five-time All-Star (2009,2011,2012,2015,2016) and the Mark Messier Leadership Award Winner in 2016, recognizing super leadership. His stats with the Predators were 443 points(166 goals, 277 assists) in his 11 seasons with the team. He was one of the most popular players in team history. At the end of his career, Weber should have his jersey up in the rafters. And who can forget that mammoth of a slapshot?

Here are some stats for his case.

–140th in NHL history in games played(925), if he has a healthy season, he could end up in the 110-115 range.

–21st in NHL history in goals by a defenseman(203) and depending how his year goes this year, he will for sure be in the 18th spot, but if he has a really good year then he might end up in the 15-17 range.

–12th in NHL history in power play goals(99) and should be in the 10th spot by the end of the season.

–20th in NHL history in game-winning goals(32) and might jump up a spot or two this season.

–12th in NHL history in goals per game percentage(0.219) and might move up as well.

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Pekka Rinne(2005-Current)

Pekka Rinne was drafted in eighth round (258th) in the 2004 NHL draft. He is the only current Predators player that is in this category. Maybe down the road a few more players will make the list, but right now, he is the only one currently still active with the team. Rinne is probably the most popular player in franchise history. What’s not to like about the guy?

Rinne had big shoes, or skates, to fill after Tomas Vokoun. Even though Rinne’s numbers be tiling off at times, he has been elite as well. He is a four-time All-Star and has been in the top-three of the Vezina Trophy four times, including taking the trophy home finally in the 2017-18 season. Only thing left to add to his resume is a Stanley Cup, which he came within two wins of doing. He helped take the Predators as close as you can almost get to the top of the NHL hierarchy.

When Rinne is healthy and going strong, the Predators are a dangerous team. I absolutely think is a lock. The best goalie in franchise history, and maybe even the best Finnish-born goaltender ever. We should end up seeing No.35 hanging up in the Bridgestone Arena rafters one day.

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Here some stats for his case.

–22nd in NHL history in Wins(341) and should 19th by the end of the season.

–12th in NHL history with in save percentage with a 0.919 and could possibly move up the ranks this season.

–43rd in NHL history in games played(623) and should be in top 30 by the end of the season.

–21st in NHL history in goals against average(GAA)(2.38) and could possibly move up the ranks by the end of the season.

–22nd in NHL History in shutouts(55) and should end up in the 17th spot by the end of the season.

People question whether he is Hall of fame worthy or not, by the end of his career, he should and will be, especially if he wins the Stanley Cup.

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