Nashville Predators History

On June 25, 1997, the NHL awarded an expansion franchise to Nashville, Tennessee. Craig Leipold became the majority owner, paying $80 million for the franchise. The team was named the "Predators" after a saber-toothed tiger fossil discovered in downtown Nashville during construction.

The Predators played their first NHL game on October 10, 1998, against the Florida Panthers at Nashville Arena (now Bridgestone Arena). Andrew Brunette scored the first goal in franchise history, and the Preds won 3-2.

The early years were typical of an expansion franchise. The Predators focused on building through the draft, selecting players like David Legwand (2nd overall in 1998, the franchise's first-ever draft pick) and developing a strong defensive identity.

Key moments during this era:

• 1998: First game and first win against Florida Panthers
• 1999: Tomas Vokoun arrives, becoming a franchise cornerstone in goal
• 2003: Barry Trotz builds a defensive system that becomes the team's identity
• 2004: First playoff berth in franchise history

The 2003-04 season marked a turning point. Nashville made its first playoff appearance, facing the Detroit Red Wings. Though they lost in six games, it signaled the franchise's arrival as a competitive team.

The Predators became a consistent playoff team, making the postseason in 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2011. Key players during this era included:

• Pekka Rinne: Drafted in 2004 (258th overall), became the franchise goaltender
• Shea Weber: Drafted in 2003, developed into one of hockey's elite defensemen
• Ryan Suter: Elite two-way defenseman paired with Weber

In 2007, the franchise faced uncertainty when Craig Leipold sold the team. After a brief period of concern about relocation, Tom Cigarran and a local ownership group stepped in, followed by current majority owner Herbert Fritch.

David Poile, the franchise's only General Manager, continued building. The team drafted future stars like Roman Josi (2008), Filip Forsberg (acquired in 2013), and developed a winning culture.

Though they fell to the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games, the run transformed Nashville into a true hockey city. The "Smashville" atmosphere at Bridgestone Arena became legendary, with catfish throwing, chants, and an electric crowd that earned national recognition.

Following the Cup run, Roman Josi was named captain in September 2017, becoming the eighth captain in franchise history.

The Predators have continued to be competitive, making the playoffs consistently. Key developments include:

• 2018: Presidents' Trophy winners (best regular season record)
• 2018: Pekka Rinne wins Vezina Trophy as NHL's best goaltender
• 2020: Rinne records 60th career shutout
• 2022: Pekka Rinne's #35 retired - first retired number in franchise history

What sets Nashville apart is its fan culture. The Predators have created unique traditions that make Bridgestone Arena one of the loudest and most intimidating buildings in the NHL:

• Catfish Throwing: Inspired by Detroit's octopus tradition, fans throw catfish on the ice during playoffs
• Goalie Chants: The famous chant after every goal directed at opposing goalies
• Gold Outs: The sea of gold during playoff games is iconic
• Broadway Parties: Lower Broadway turns into a massive watch party during big games