Top-25 Predators Continued & Franchise Four Players
Welcome to the THW Nashville Predators Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Predators writers.
In today’s edition, we finish off Alex Wauthy’s amazing list of top-25 players in Predators history with the #1 and #2 picks, plus an article from eight years ago highlighting the team’s franchise four players, which still stands the test of time to this day!
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Now on to the good stuff…
The Nashville Predators Franchise Four
September 25, 2015 by Michael Gwizdala
The Franchise Four. The Mount Rushmore. Four players who tell the story of an organization. In this series, I’ll be taking a look at the history of all 30 NHL squads. For criteria, I’m choosing one forward, defenceman, goaltender and a wild card from any position.
During said time frame, the Predators have iced the likes of Shea Weber, Pekka Rinne, Kimmo Timonen, David Legwand, Ryan Suter, Steve Sullivan, J.P. Dumont, Martin Erat, Patric Hornqvist, Mike Dunham, Tomas Vokoun, Greg Johnson, Jason Arnott, Scott Walker and Jordin Tootoo.
Predators’ Top 25 Players of All-Time: Roman Josi
October 11, 2023 by Alex Wauthy
Roman Josi is the best defenseman in Predators history. While he may not have a booming shot or throw thunderous hits like former teammate Shea Weber, his silky skating, excellent vision, and hockey smarts make him a perennial Norris Trophy candidate, fitting the mold of a modern-day elite NHL defenseman. The Predators drafted Josi 38th overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut in the 2011-12 season, scoring 16 points in 52 games.
Josi broke out in 2014-15. He realized his offensive potential, scoring 55 points in 81 games, and finished fifth in Norris Trophy voting, behind teammate Shea Weber, who finished fourth. This was his first top-five finish and wouldn’t be his last. The following season saw Josi have another top-five Norris Trophy finish as he scored 61 points in 81 games and represented the Predators at the NHL All-Star Game.
Predators’ Top 25 Players of All-Time: Pekka Rinne
October 12, 2023 by Alex Wauthy
Rinne is the greatest player in Predators’ history, and until recently, it wasn’t much of a debate. The Predators drafted the Kempele, Finland native 258th overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. At the time, it’s doubtful former general manager David Poile knew he was drafting the future face of the franchise, but as we know now, it’s undoubtedly the biggest draft day steal in Predators history.
Rinne played 15 seasons with the Predators. He secured the starting role in 2008-09 and held onto for most of his career. He had seven seasons with a save percentage (SV%) of .915 or higher, including four over the .920 mark.
