The Nashville Predators history highlights the rise of an exciting NHL franchise built from the ground up. Since joining the league in 1998, Nashville Predators hockey has grown into a passionate force, thrilling fans with intense rivalries and playoff appearances. This introduction covers their early years, key milestones, and the achievements shaping their identity.
Established
1998
City
Nashville
League History
1998 – Present / National Hockey League
Team History
1998 – Present / Nashville Predators
Nickname
Predators – Nashville Predators fans have much to be proud of regarding their team’s nickname. “Predators” derives from the region's natural environment and strongly ties with the city's music scene.
Nashville Predators Origin
The Nashville Predators were established in 1997 as an expansion franchise for the National Hockey League (NHL). When selecting a nickname for their new team, they wanted something representing Nashville and its culture. After much consideration, they settled on “Predators” due to their connection with nature in Middle Tennessee. The local wildlife includes bobcats, cougars, and black bears - all predators that live near downtown Nashville! This made perfect sense since hockey teams are known as predators on ice – fierce competitors who never give up until they win!
In addition to representing nature, there is another layer of meaning behind this choice: Music City itself! As we know from our favorite country songs about ‘predatory around town,' 'predator' can also refer to someone who prowls around looking for fun or excitement at night - just like hockey players do during games! By choosing this name for their NHL franchise, it paid homage to nature and highlighted one aspect of what makes Music City so unique: Its vibrant nightlife scene, where you can find entertainment any day or night throughout the year.
Ultimately, by combining these two elements, nature & music-the, the Predators became more than just another NHL club; They symbolically represent everything great about living in Music City, USA! So next time you're cheering your Preds onto victory, remember why they chose such an iconic name in the first place!
Championship
Stanley Cup 0
Arena
2010 – Present / Bridgestone Arena
2007–2010 / Sommet Center
1999–2007 / Gaylord Entertainment Center
1996–1999, 2007, 2010 / Nashville Arena
Owner
2007 – Present / Predators Holdings LLC
1998 – 2007 / Craig Leipold
- 1997
- 1998
- 2008
-
Nashville Predators Team Formation
In January 1997, a group led by Wisconsin businessman Craig Leipold made a formal presentation before the NHL requesting an expansion franchise. When Bettman and league officials visited Nashville to tour the arena, thousands gathered on the Arena plaza to greet them. In June, the league granted conditional franchises to Nashville, Columbus, Ohio, Atlanta, and Minneapolis, Saint Paul. The Nashville ... -
Bridgestone Arena
The Bridgestone Arena is owned by the Sports Authority of Nashville and Davidson County and operated by Powers Management Company, a subsidiary of the Nashville Predators National Hockey League franchise, which has been its primary tenant since 1998. The Predators hosted the NHL Entry Draft here in 2003. -
Predators Sale
On July 19, 2007, a group of local business owners known as Our Team Nashville held a rally at the Sommet Center to encourage fans to buy season tickets in order to help the Predators meet the attendance figures needed to keep the team in Nashville. They drew approx 7,500 fans and sold the equivalent of 726 full-season tickets during ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Nashville Predators History
The Nashville Predators history began in 1998 when the franchise entered the NHL as an expansion team. Based in Tennessee, the club quickly became one of the most passionate fan favorites in the league. Playing home games at Bridgestone Arena, Nashville Predators hockey established itself with a loyal following and intense rivalries, especially with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Since joining the league, the Nashville Predators history includes six Stanley Cup Playoff appearances, four division championships, and two Presidents’ Trophies for the best regular season record in their conference. These milestones helped transform Nashville Predators hockey into a respected and competitive force, bringing energy and excitement to every season.
During the 2017–18 season, goaltender Pekka Rinne earned his first Vezina Trophy for outstanding play. Alongside him, Filip Forsberg and Viktor Arvidsson enjoyed career-best offensive years. That same season, the team captured its first Western Conference title but lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games during the Stanley Cup Final. This chapter of Nashville Predators history marked an incredible milestone for the franchise and its growing legacy.
General Manager David Poile, who had been with the organization since 1997, played a major role in building this success. Originally assembled while the team was still based in Canada before relocating to Nashville, Poile’s management helped create a solid foundation that made Nashville Predators hockey a contender year after year.
Predators Achievements
Under new head coach John Hynes, the Predators have maintained consistency on the ice. Even through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in the 2020–21 season, they managed to clinch the Central Division title with 47 wins. Although eliminated in the second round by the Carolina Hurricanes, the organization proved once again why Nashville Predators hockey is among the NHL’s premier programs.
Throughout the Nashville Predators history, the franchise has built an impressive résumé of achievements. In addition to multiple division championships and Presidents’ Trophies, they have consistently produced award-winning players such as Rinne, Shea Weber, and Roman Josi. These stars have elevated Nashville Predators hockey and inspired a generation of fans in Tennessee and beyond.
Looking ahead, the Predators continue to focus on building a championship-caliber roster. With strong drafting, player development, and a passionate fan base, the future of Nashville Predators hockey looks bright. Their history of resilience and determination makes them one of the most compelling teams in the National Hockey League today.
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Retired Number
99 / Wayne Gretzky
*Blue is this team’s history
