Roman Josi’s 1,000th Game Is a Milestone for the Predators-and a Testament to His Resilience
It’s been 5,171 days since Roman Josi first pulled on a Nashville Predators jersey and skated onto NHL ice. Back then, he was a 21-year-old call-up from the Milwaukee Admirals, wide-eyed and ready to prove himself. That night-November 26, 2011-he made his debut against the Detroit Red Wings at the legendary Joe Louis Arena, staring down the likes of Pavel Datsyuk and Nicklas Lidstrom.
“You never forget your first one,” Josi said. And how could you?
Fast forward to Thursday night, and Josi is set to become the first player in franchise history to play 1,000 games-all in a Predators uniform. In today’s NHL, where player movement is constant and long-term loyalty is rare, that kind of milestone is more than just a round number-it’s a legacy.
A Career That’s Been Anything But Ordinary
Josi’s résumé speaks for itself. He’s a four-time NHL All-Star, the 2020 Norris Trophy winner, and one of only two defensemen in league history to lead a franchise in total points-the other being Hall of Famer Ray Bourque with the Boston Bruins. That’s elite company.
Through 999 games, Josi has amassed 198 goals and 554 assists, totaling 752 points. But those numbers only tell part of the story. His impact stretches beyond the stat sheet-he’s been the heartbeat of the Predators for over a decade, the kind of player who sets the tone in the locker room and on the ice.
“To play 1,000 games in one uniform is really hard these days,” said Predators head coach Andrew Brunette. “With the CBA and free agency, it’s a heck of an accomplishment.”
And it’s not just about what he’s done in Nashville. Josi has been a trailblazer for Swiss hockey, helping elevate the country’s presence on the global stage.
He’s earned three silver medals at the IIHF World Championships and represented Switzerland at the 2014 Olympics. He’s also gearing up for another Olympic run next month in the 2026 Games.
Nashville Roots, Swiss Heart
While Josi hails from Switzerland, Nashville has become home in every sense of the word. It’s where he met his wife, Ellie Ottaway-Josi.
It’s where his two children were born. And it’s where his extended family from back home has made countless visits, embracing the city just like he has.
“My kids are at a good age now where they kind of understand what’s happening a little bit,” Josi said. “I met my wife here.
My kids were born here. There are so many things that have happened in this town over the last 15 years.”
That connection to the city makes Thursday night’s milestone even more meaningful. Josi’s family will be in the building, soaking in a moment that’s been 15 seasons in the making.
A Milestone That Nearly Didn’t Happen
The path to 1,000 wasn’t without its bumps. In the 2024-25 season, Josi missed the final two months after being diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a circulatory disorder that causes a rapid heart rate increase. At the time, there were real concerns about whether he’d be able to continue playing at all, let alone hit this milestone.
General Manager Barry Trotz provided the update fans were hoping for just days before training camp: Josi was “100 percent healthy” and ready to go.
“We were all a little bit scared last year. I’m sure he was,” Brunette said.
“I think the clarification with what he was dealing with eased a lot of tension in all of us, especially him. To see him back, he’s pointed at a really high level this year.”
And he has. Josi’s looked like himself again-commanding the blue line, pushing the pace, and even finding the back of the net with regularity. His return hasn’t just been a feel-good story; it’s been a catalyst for the Predators’ improved play.
“You obviously want to enjoy the moment,” Josi said, “but once the game starts, we’re trying to win. It’s a special game for me, but once the game starts, you focus on that.”
A Moment to Reflect
For Brunette, who played his 1,000th game in 2011, the milestone brings back memories of his own. And not all of them were easy.
“When you get to that game, sometimes it feels like an obituary at times,” he said. “You see everybody talk about it and you gotta kind of catch yourself that you’re not dead.
The tributes and the things people say… As a hockey player, you’re always moving forward. Next game, next shift, the next play.
To take a second and reflect, for me, wasn’t a great feeling.”
Still, there’s no denying the significance. Teammates have already begun celebrating Josi’s achievement, gifting him a limited-edition Norqain watch and VIP tickets to the US Open. But knowing Josi, he’ll appreciate the sentiment-and then get right back to business.
After all, the Predators are trying to snap a two-game skid, and Josi’s not the type to let a ceremony distract from the mission.
The Legacy Continues
Reaching 1,000 games is rare. Doing it with one team is even rarer.
And doing it as a defenseman who’s led his franchise in scoring? That’s the stuff of legends.
Roman Josi has already cemented his place in Predators history. But what makes this milestone so special isn’t just what he’s done-it’s the way he’s done it.
With consistency. With leadership.
And with a whole lot of heart.
And he’s not done yet.