Roman Josi was named “captain” today by the Nashville Predators. The 27-year-old defenseman becomes the eighth captain of the Predators. He joins notables such as Shea Weber and most recently Mike Fisher, who retired last year. Josi’s leadership potential on the team has long been recognized. Selected 38th overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Josi has served as assistant captain since 2015.
Josi is one of only five NHL Defensemen to record at least 40 points in each of the last four seasons. He has been in the top fifteen of Norris Trophy voting for the past three years. Last year he scored 12 goals and contributed 37 assists during the 2016-17 regular season.
Earlier in the month Last Word on Hockey’s Matt Vocino predicted Josi to be handed the ‘C’.
Respected and Representative
According to Nashville Predators president of hockey operations/general manager David Poile:
“This is the right time to name Roman the captain of our franchise,” Poile said. “Not only is he one of our best players, but he’s also become one of the top defensemen in the entire League. He’s respected by his teammates, coaches and opponents and he represents our organization and logo with the utmost class and integrity on and off the ice. I know Roman is ready to become captain and I have no doubt he will fulfill these duties with the same passion we’ve become accustomed to seeing from him day after day.”
Roman Josi was a key part of the defensive group that led Nashville to the Stanely Cup finals. His contributions were significant. Josi led team defensemen and was second among all Nashville skaters with 14 points in 22 games. His six goals set a franchise record for most goals by a defenseman in a single postseason.
The Tennessean reports that defenseman Ryan Ellis will serve as “associate captain,” while Ryan Johansen, Filip Forsberg, and Mattias Ekholm will act as alternate captains.
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