Roman Josi Hits 1,000 Games: Predators Set to Honor Their Captain in Style
Roman Josi has officially hit the 1,000-game mark-and the Nashville Predators are making sure their captain gets the recognition he’s earned every step of the way.
The franchise announced it will celebrate Josi’s milestone with a pregame ceremony this Saturday, Jan. 24, ahead of the Predators’ matchup against the Utah Mammoth at Bridgestone Arena. Puck drops at 2:30 p.m. CT, but fans will want to be in their seats early for what promises to be a special tribute to one of the most decorated players in team history.
And make no mistake-this isn’t just a number. Josi didn’t just play 1,000 NHL games. He played all 1,000 with the Predators, becoming the first player in franchise history to reach that milestone entirely in gold.
Drafted 38th overall in 2008, Josi has been the backbone of the Predators’ blue line for over a decade. He won the Norris Trophy in 2020 as the NHL’s top defenseman and has steadily built a résumé that puts him not just among the best in franchise history, but among the elite defensemen of his era. He leads the Predators all-time in games played (1,000), assists (554), and points (752)-numbers that speak to both his longevity and his impact on the ice.
Since being named captain in 2017, Josi has been the heartbeat of the team, setting the tone with his play, leadership, and consistency. He’s now the longest-tenured captain in team history, and his influence stretches far beyond the stat sheet.
Saturday’s celebration will go beyond the pregame ceremony. Throughout the game, fans can expect in-arena tributes, broadcast features, and social media spotlights honoring Josi’s career. The Norris Trophy itself will be on display in the Bridgestone Arena atrium through the second period, giving fans a chance to see up close the hardware that represents Josi’s excellence.
In a nod to their captain, the Predators took the ice before tonight’s game in special warmup jerseys with Josi’s name and No. 59 on the back. Each jersey will be signed by Josi and the player who wore it, then auctioned off during Saturday’s game.
Proceeds from the auction will go toward the Nashville Predators Foundation’s Helper Grants program. Fans can start bidding by texting PREDS to 76278 beginning Friday, Jan.
- The auction closes at the start of the third period on Saturday.
This milestone also comes at a pivotal moment in Josi’s career. The Bern, Switzerland native is set to represent his country at the upcoming 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina, adding another chapter to an already remarkable career.
So if you’re in Nashville this weekend, you’re not just getting a hockey game-you’re getting a celebration of a franchise cornerstone, a leader, and one of the most consistent and dynamic defensemen of the last decade. Roman Josi’s 1,000th game isn’t just a milestone. It’s a moment.