The number 56 has shown up more often than you might expect in Predators history, but almost all of that traffic has come in the recent past.
Kris Beech was the first Predator to wear it. A former prized prospect taken seventh overall by Washington in the 1999 NHL Draft, he played only five games for Nashville in 2005-06, but still managed a goal and two assists. He also spent a good chunk of that season with the Milwaukee Admirals before finishing the year back in Washington.
Taylor Beck was next to take a turn with 56, and his run came during his first NHL stint. Nashville’s third-round pick in the 2009 Draft appeared in 16 games in 2012-13, scoring three goals and finishing with seven points. He switched numbers the following season, ending his time with 56 on his back.
Kevin Fiala is far more closely tied to No. 22 now, but he wore 56 early in his NHL career. He had it for parts of three seasons before settling into the number he would eventually make his own once he became a full-time NHL player and had more say in the choice.
Erik Haula has worn 56 twice for Nashville. His first stretch came in 2020-21, when he played 51 games for the Predators before moving on to the Boston Bruins the next season. He later returned for 2025-26, but that stay was also short-lived, with Haula set to join the Los Angeles Kings for the upcoming campaign.
Kole Sherwood also got 56 into the mix during the 2021-22 season. The brother of the better-known Kiefer Sherwood appeared in one game for Nashville, and it ended up being the final NHL game of his career.
In Other News...
Roman Josi Still Sets The Standard Nashville Needs Right Now
Roman Josi has spent so long defining what steady, elite leadership looks like in Nashville that it can be easy to take it for granted. The Swiss defenseman has been the Predators longest-serving captain, won the Norris Trophy in 2020 and built a career that has made him one of the most respected blue-liners in the league, all while carrying the kind of calm authority teams usually spend years trying to find.
Josis influence reaches well beyond the room in Nashville, too. He has captained Switzerland on the international stage, including at the 2024 World Championship and the 2026 Olympics, and even helped co-found the Swiss watch brand Norqain with former NHL player Mark Streit. For the Predators, though, the bigger point is simpler: as they push toward the playoffs, Josi remains the standard the rest of the roster is still trying to match. [Read more 🡒]