The Nashville Predators have been a constant threat in the NHL since the team was established in 1998. Over the past 25+ years, the team has seen some truly exceptional hockey players wear the gold and navy blue sweater. The team has enjoyed a plethora of talent playing as forwards, defensemen, and goalkeepers. In this detailed post, we will review the top 10 Nashville Predators of all time. These players have earned an outstanding reputation with the franchise, setting records, and proving their prowess on the ice court.

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1. Pekka Rinne - Goaltender

Pekka Rinne is undoubtedly the greatest goaltender in Predators history. The towering Finn spent his entire 15-year NHL career in Nashville, becoming the franchise's all-time leader in games played (683), wins (369), and shutouts (60). Rinne was the backbone of the Predators for over a decade, leading the team to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2017 and winning the Vezina Trophy as the league's top goaltender in 2018. His combination of size, athleticism, and technical prowess made him a nightmare for opposing shooters, and his infectious personality made him a fan favorite in Smashville.

2. Roman Josi - Defenseman

Roman Josi is the quintessential two-way defenseman, excelling at both ends of the ice. The Swiss blueliner has been a stalwart on the Predators' backend since 2011, racking up 505 assists (franchise record) and 686 points (franchise record) over his illustrious career. Josi's offensive creativity, booming shot, and reliable defensive play have earned him multiple All-Star selections and the 2020 Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman. At just 33 years old, Josi shows no signs of slowing down and is poised to cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats in Predators history.

3. Filip Forsberg - Forward

Filip Forsberg has been the face of the Predators' franchise for the better part of a decade. The skilled Swedish winger has been a consistent offensive force, scoring 287 goals (franchise record) and recording 54 game-winning goals (franchise record). Forsberg's combination of speed, skill, and scoring touch has made him one of the most dynamic players in Predators history. His 11 career hat tricks are a franchise best, and he's been a key contributor to the team's success, including their run to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2017.

4. Shea Weber - Defenseman

Shea Weber was the quintessential power defenseman during his 11 seasons in Nashville. The towering blueliner was a dominant physical presence, using his size and strength to punish opposing forwards. Weber also possessed a booming slap shot, scoring 80 power-play goals (franchise record) and earning four All-Star selections. As the Predators' captain from 2010 to 2016, Weber was the heart and soul of the team, leading by example with his relentless work ethic and commitment to the defensive side of the game.

5. David Legwand - Forward

David Legwand is the Predators' original franchise player, having been the first draft pick in team history in 1998. The skilled center spent 15 seasons in Nashville, becoming the team's all-time leader in games played (956), goals (210), and points (566). Legwand was a consistent offensive threat, representing the Predators in three All-Star games and helping the team reach the playoffs on multiple occasions. His longevity and contributions to the franchise's early success cement his status as one of the all-time greats in Predators history.

6. Jordin Tootoo - Forward

Jordin Tootoo was the ultimate energy player and fan favorite during his eight seasons in Nashville. The diminutive winger was known for his physical, hard-nosed style of play, racking up 725 penalty minutes (franchise record) and providing a much-needed spark to the Predators' lineup. Tootoo's willingness to drop the gloves and stand up for his teammates endeared him to the Smashville faithful, and his infectious personality and relentless work ethic made him a beloved figure in the Nashville community.

7. Greg Johnson - Forward

Greg Johnson was a skilled two-way center who spent seven seasons with the Predators, serving as the team's captain from 1998 to 2002. Johnson was a reliable defensive forward, but he also possessed offensive talent, scoring 11 short-handed goals (franchise record) and providing steady production in the Predators' top-six. His leadership, two-way play, and contributions to the team's early success make him one of the most important players in franchise history.

8. Viktor Arvidsson - Forward

Viktor Arvidsson was a dynamic winger who emerged as one of the Predators' most exciting players during his six-year tenure with the team. The diminutive Swede was a relentless forechecker and a skilled finisher, scoring 127 goals and recording 5 short-handed goals (franchise record) during his time in Nashville. Arvidsson's tireless work ethic and knack for scoring big goals made him a fan favorite, and his contributions to the team's success in the late 2010s solidify his place among the Predators' all-time greats.

9. Sergei Krivokrasov - Forward

Sergei Krivokrasov was a skilled Russian winger who spent seven seasons with the Predators, becoming one of the franchise's first offensive stars. Krivokrasov was a dynamic playmaker, recording 211 points (franchise record at the time) and representing the Predators in the 2001 NHL All-Star Game. His offensive flair and creativity made him a fan favorite in Smashville, and his contributions to the team's early development as an NHL franchise cement his status as one of the all-time Predators greats.

10. Kimmo Timonen - Defenseman

Kimmo Timonen was a smooth-skating, offensively-gifted defenseman who spent seven seasons with the Predators, serving as the team's captain from 2006 to 2007. Timonen was a skilled puck-mover who excelled at both ends of the ice, recording 301 points (franchise record at the time) and earning two All-Star selections during his tenure in Nashville. His ability to quarterback the power play and his steady defensive play made him an invaluable asset to the Predators, and his contributions to the team's early success and development solidify his place among the franchise's all-time greats.

In the End

The Nashville Predators have been blessed with an abundance of talented players over the course of their 25+ year history. From elite goaltenders to skilled forwards and dominant defensemen, this franchise has seen its fair share of all-time greats don the gold and navy blue sweater.

The 10 players highlighted in this article have left an indelible mark on the Predators' legacy, etching their names in the record books and cementing their status as legends in Smashville. Whether it's Pekka Rinne's unparalleled goaltending, Roman Josi's two-way brilliance, or Filip Forsberg's goal-scoring prowess, these players have all played a vital role in the Predators' success and growth as an NHL franchise.

As the Predators continue to build towards their first-ever Stanley Cup championship, the legacies of these all-time greats will continue to inspire and motivate the next generation of Predators stars. The passion and dedication of these players have helped establish the Predators as a perennial contender in the NHL, and their impact on the franchise will be felt for years to come.