Last Word on Hockey brings you our team of the decade series. We will dive into the best player at each position this decade for every organization. The biggest and the best at each position, with the most memorable moments in franchise history. Here is the Nashville Predators decade line-up.
Nashville Predators Decade Team
To say that this decade has been nothing but beneficial for the Predators organization is an understatement. Before 2010, the Nashville Predators had yet to win their division or a playoff round. As a matter of fact, they were not even able to win an overtime playoff game. That all changed very quickly with the start of the decade.
Since then, the Predators have been able to overcome those demons. Making the playoffs seven out of the nine seasons this decade. Nashville was finally able to make it past the first round in the 2011 playoffs. They made it as far as the Stanley Cup Final in 2017. They also finally won their division title in the 2017-18 and in 2018-19 seasons.
Now, none of this would have been possible if it weren’t for the names listed below. Let’s take a look at who made the Nashville Predators decade team.
Left-Wing: Filip Forsberg (2012-Present)
The 11th overall pick in 2012 NHL Entry Draft has been one of the best players for Nashville this decade. Since 2014-15 season, Filip Forsberg has been in the top three for points every season. With 353 points in 458 games played, Forsberg has no problem producing. His smooth hands and great vision of the ice have been proven as well, with a 54.9 percent career Corsi for he has always been able to dictate the game.
Centre: Mike Fisher (2011-2018)
One could argue that Mike Fisher was an unsung hero for Nashville during his time there. Traded to the Predators in February 2011, Fisher, along with his wife, became an absolute fan favourite. While he was not the most productive on the ice, Fisher had a sense of leadership like no other. Fisher worse a letter on his jersey from 2012 till the 2017-18 season.
Over his eight-year span is Nashville, Fisher dressed in 429 games recording 241 points along with 261 penalties minutes. Making sure to show up for the boys next to him when it was needed most. is it a coincidence the Predators turned everything around when Fisher arrived? You decide.
Right-Wing: Craig Smith (2011-Present)
Not the first name many would think of to make an all-decade team list. Nonetheless, Craig Smith has been the most constant player for the Predators. Since joining Nashville full time at the start of the 2011-12 season. Smith has played in the most games for the Preds this decade. With 661 games played, Smith has solidified his role on the right side. With a 53.6 percent career Corsi for, placing Filip Forsberg on the other side and the Predators opponent will never see the puck.
Left-Defenceman: Roman Josi (2011-Present)
The Predator’s current captain, Roman Josi has been a staple on the back-end. The Swiss native has been a part of Nashville’s dominating defence since 2011 and continues. Before the start of the Pandemic, Josi was leading his team in points with 65 total (the next closest player is Fosberg with 48 points.) This hasn’t been the first time he’s had to put the team on his back. In 632 games played, Josi has recorded 413 points.
Not only is Roman Josi one of the most productive players for Nashville. His skill and presence were noted league-wide. Every season since 2014-15 season Josi has been in the James Norris Trophy talk. Along with being the likely front-runner for it this season as well.
Right-Defenceman: Shea Weber (2010-2016)
Possibly the most notable name on this list. With 11 seasons in a Predators jersey, some of his best came in this decade. The two-time Olympic gold-medal winner, former Captain, and one of the toughest in the league Shea Weber gave everything he had for the Predators. During his stint in Nashville. Weber was a four-time all-star, where we won the hardest shot three times from 2015-17. He also won the Mark Messier Leadership Trophy in 2015-16 and was a Norris Trophy nominee every year with the Preds.
Goaltender: Pekka Rinne (2010-Present)
Without any doubt, Pekka Rinne has won the position of goaltender of the decade for the Predators. Despite his lacklustre performance this season, Rinne has been THE man between the pipes the past ten years. Over his time in Nashville, Rinne has played in 659 games. In those games, he has 359 wins, 201 losses, and 74 overtime/shutout losses. Going along with that, Pekka has a 2.42 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage.
A lot of Nashville’s success this decade can be attributed to Pekka Rinne. Since the 2010-11 season, Rinne has been nominated for the Vezina Trophy five different times. He finally won it during Nashville’s dominating 2017-18 season. Where Rinne helped lead the Predators to a President’s Trophy and Western Conference Championship.
Honourable Mentions
Hard to beat out long-time Predator Mike Fisher for the centre position. But a very close second we have Ryan Johansen. In January of 2016, Johansen was traded over from the Columbus Blue Jackets for Seth Jones.
Since then, Johansen as been Nashville number one centre. With 351 games played for the Preds, he has been everywhere on the offensive side of things. With the highest points per game percentage at 0.71, he is a threat every time he steps on the ice.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
