Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi is set to play his 1,000th NHL game against the Ottawa Senators, becoming just the 84th player to reach the milestone with a single franchise. Former teammates praise his growth from a young prospect to an elite defenseman. The occasion highlights Josi's durability and leadership amid injuries.
Roman Josi, the Nashville Predators' captain, stands on the cusp of a significant milestone as he prepares for his 1,000th NHL game. The game, scheduled for Thursday against the Ottawa Senators at Bridgestone Arena, will mark Josi as only the 84th player in league history to achieve 1,000 games with one team.
Former Predators defenseman Shea Weber, who paired with Josi for five seasons, recalls the Swiss native's early days in 2011. "He was just a little kid drinking his chocolate milk - just happy-go-lucky," Weber said. "But when you saw him skate and possess the puck... it was like, ‘OK, yeah, there it is.’" Josi lived with Weber during his rookie year and has since surpassed him in franchise stats, including 554 assists and 752 points.
Hal Gill, acquired at the 2012 trade deadline, echoed Weber's impressions. "I looked over at Roman Josi, and he was just babyfaced... drinking his chocolate milk after practice," Gill remembered. "Then all of a sudden, he gets on his skates, and he skates like the wind." Gill, now a Predators broadcaster, commended Josi's resilience, noting his recovery from ailments like a POTS diagnosis last summer.
Dante Fabbro, who debuted in 2019 and often paired with Josi, admired his off-ice preparation. "Coming to the rink every day and getting to see how he conducted himself... was just invaluable," Fabbro said. He highlighted Josi's humility and competitive drive.
Current teammate Brady Skjei praised Josi's leadership. "He’s not the loudest, but he definitely speaks up when things need to be said," Skjei noted. "He leads by example... an all-around 200-foot player."
Josi's journey reflects his defensive grit—blocking shots and battling in front of the net—alongside offensive prowess. As he nears this achievement after 15 seasons, his former partners emphasize his learning from veterans like Weber and Mike Fisher, solidifying his status as one of the NHL's top defensemen.