Nashville Predators: The Top-10 Franchise Players Over Last Decade

Nashville Predators defenseman Shea Weber (6) against the San Jose Sharks in game four of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nashville Predators defenseman Shea Weber (6) against the San Jose Sharks in game four of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
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Roman Josi, Nashville Predators
Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

#2: Roman Josi

Last season’s historical individual run for Josi cemented his place on my list ahead of Weber. Before that, Josi still had more to prove before moving him ahead.

Josi accomplished offensive numbers that the NHL hadn’t seen from a defenseman in 40 years, and yet somehow there were voters who didn’t even put Josi in the top-three of the Norris Trophy voting. That will always baffle me.

Either way, Josi is the biggest superstar this franchise has ever had that doesn’t wear goalie pads. And his book isn’t close to being fully written, yet. Many more chapters to go.

When it’s all said and done Josi will own every major record in the Predators records books with the exception of goals. Josi will more than likely pass Legwnd for franchise leader in points this season. He needs just 25 points to pass.

Josi has been captain of the Nashville Predators since 2017, taking over from Mike Fisher. Since 2017 Josi has quickly ascended into one of, if not the best, defenseman in the NHL.

Without Josi, the Predators would not only be a non-playoff team, but possibly even a last place team. They go as Josi goes, and it will be that way for a long time. He’s a true MVP, and some analysts even argued last season that his case was stronger for the Hart Trophy than the Norris Trophy.

Josi came up just short of 100 points last season, and he may never have quite a season like that ever again. But he’ll still continue to be near the top point getters among defensemen for several years to come, and might even pass up my current No.1 player over the last decade.