- 1997
- 1998
- 2008
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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 ...
History of the Predators
The Nashville Predators have been a part of the NHL since 1998 and have quickly become one of the most beloved franchises in hockey. The Predators are based in Tennessee, and their home arena is Bridgestone Arena. Since joining the league, they’ve made it to six Stanley Cup Playoffs and won four division championships and two Presidents’ Trophies for having the best regular season record in their conference.
In 2017-18, led by goaltender Pekka Rinne who was awarded his first Vezina Trophy, as well as forwards Filip Forsberg and Viktor Arvidsson, who both had career years offensively, they captured their first Western Conference title before ultimately losing to Pittsburgh Penguins in 6 games during Stanley Cup Finals series that same year. This marked an incredible milestone for franchise history which had seen its fair share of ups and downs throughout its existence but always remained competitive due mainly to solid management decisions from General Manager David Poile, who had held this position since 1997 when the team was still located in Canada prior relocating southward three years later.
Over the past few seasons, under the leadership of new head coach John Hynes, Preds continued success on the ice, making playoffs each year while consistently remaining among the top teams' standings. In the 2020–21 season, despite changes caused by the COVID pandemic, the team managed to clinch the Central Division title with 47 wins. While Nashville fell short of postseason expectations after being eliminated second round against Carolina Hurricanes, nonetheless, accomplishments achieved over the past decade-plus prove that the organization remains one premier powerhouses National Hockey League today, setting the stage for even more future successes come.
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.
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
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.
Retired Number
99 / Wayne Gretzky
*Blue is this team’s history