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Rebranding the Nashville Predators Could Save the Team's Future

Smashville has received a ton of backlash regarding the Predators' name. Could it be time to rebrand the franchise and save their image and future?
ByJordan Manning|
Apr 8, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators center Fedor Svechkiv (40) celebrates his game=winning goal with his teammates during the over time period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Apr 8, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators center Fedor Svechkiv (40) celebrates his game=winning goal with his teammates during the over time period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
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The Nashville Predators would've never expected the amount of backlash the organization would receive after prospect camp.

It came after the Preds PR team posted team photos on their social media platforms, showing the team's prospects wearing shirts that read "Preds In The Community." Safe to say that it didn't take long for people to begin criticizing the team.

The name "Predators" was already a questionable choice by the owners, but the name was selected at a time before it became popularized into what it is now. As a Preds fan, I receive a bunch of comments from people, some good and some bad, about my favorite team being called the Predators. I'm sure Nashville can relate to me when I say that the joke gets old after a while.

This brings up the possibility of a team rebrand. We have seen multiple teams undergo a rebrand with the most recent example being the Arizona Coyotes transforming into the Utah Mammoth. However, I believe that hockey in Nashville needs to stay. The team has one of the best attendances in the league, so revenue isn't the issue. If we rebrand, we must remain in Nashville.

The Predators Could Switch Things Up While Also Staying in the Heart of Nashville

We have seen a few teams undergo a rebrand while staying in their current city. The Anaheim Ducks used to be called the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim and the Toronto Maple Leafs used to be called the Toronto St. Pats. Nashville has the chance to add on to this list and help save the team's image.

A rebrand typically begins with a new persona so let's get the name out of the of way. I know the Predators name came along after the discovery of a sabre-toothed tiger skull during Bridgestone's construction but what does that have to do with the team's history.

Almost every NHL team's name has something to do with their city. The Blues name originated from the rich history of blues and jazz music in St. Louis. Other teams name their franchise off their city's geography such as the Colorado Avalanche whose name stemmed from their close proximity to the Rocky Mountains, a place known for frequent avalanches.

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