History of Nashville Predators in Timeline
The Nashville Predators are a professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee, competing in the NHL's Central Division of the Western Conference. Since 1998, they have played their home games at Bridgestone Arena. Bally Sports South holds their television broadcasting rights, while WPRT-FM serves as the flagship station for the Nashville Predators Radio Network. The Predators maintain affiliations with the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) and the Atlanta Gladiators (ECHL).
1971: Partial Smilodon skeleton found in Nashville
In 1971, a partial Smilodon skeleton was found beneath downtown Nashville during the construction of the First American National Bank building, inspiring the Predators' logo.
1993: Toronto Maple Leafs achieve 10-0 start
In the 2005-06 season, the Predators matched the Toronto Maple Leafs' record of a 10-0 start in the 1993-94 season, though the Predators only went 8-0. The Toronto Maple Leafs achieved the mark with a 10-0 start.
1995: Rumors circulate about New Jersey Devils relocating to Nashville
In late 1995, rumors began circulating that the New Jersey Devils would relocate to Nashville after winning their first Stanley Cup championship, but the Devils ultimately remained in New Jersey.
1996: Bridgestone Arena opened
Bridgestone Arena, a multi-purpose venue in downtown Nashville, opened in 1996.
January 1997: Formal presentation for NHL expansion franchise
In January 1997, Craig Leipold's group presented a formal request for an NHL expansion franchise in Nashville.
July 9, 1997: David Poile named first general manager
On July 9, 1997, David Poile was named the franchise's first general manager.
September 25, 1997: New logo unveiled
On September 25, 1997, the Nashville Predators unveiled their new logo, a saber-toothed cat, referencing a Smilodon skeleton found in Nashville in 1971.
1997: Nashville Predators Founded
In 1997, Craig Leipold was granted an expansion franchise by the NHL, leading to the founding of the Nashville Predators.
March 31, 1998: Deadline for selling 12,000 season tickets
March 31, 1998, was the deadline for the Nashville team to meet the NHL requirement of selling 12,000 season tickets to begin play.
October 10, 1998: Predators' first game
On October 10, 1998, the Nashville Predators played their first game, losing 1–0 at home to the Florida Panthers.
1998: Original Predators Uniforms Worn
From 1998, the original Nashville Predators uniforms were worn featuring a silver yoke on the shoulder and using navy and white as base colors with gold accents.
1998: Gnash Introduced as Mascot
In 1998, Gnash, a blue saber-toothed cat, was introduced as the mascot of the Nashville Predators.
1998: Bridgestone Arena becomes the Predators' home arena
In 1998, the Nashville Predators started playing their home games at Bridgestone Arena.
1998: Nashville Predators begin play
In the 1998-99 season, the Nashville Predators began playing in the NHL.
1998: Design inspired by the uniforms from 1998 to 2007
In the 2020-21 season, the Nashville Predators released a special "Reverse Retro" alternate uniform, using the design they wore from 1998 to 2007.
1998: Inaugural season at Bridgestone Arena
Since their inaugural season in 1998, the Nashville Predators have played their home games at Bridgestone Arena.
1999: Inaugural season
During their first year of existence, the 1998-99 season, the Nashville Predators finished second-to-last in the Western Conference with a 28–47–7 record.
February 20, 2000: Predators score four goals in under four minutes
During a game versus the New York Islanders on February 20, 2000, the Predators scored four goals in 3 minutes and 38 seconds.
2000: Predators play games in Tokyo, Japan
To begin the 2000–01 season, the Nashville Predators played two games at the Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo, Japan, against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
December 6, 2001: Predators record 100th victory
On December 6, 2001, the Nashville Predators recorded their 100th victory, becoming the second-fastest expansion team of the 1990s to reach the milestone.
2001: "Mustard Cat" third jersey introduced
From 2001, the Nashville Predators wore mustard gold third jerseys featuring the front-facing saber-toothed cat logo, nicknamed "Mustard Cats."
2001: Previous Uniform
In 2001, The Nashville Predators used an alternate uniform that was later updated in 2022.
2002: Barry Trotz breaks record
During the 2002-03 season, head coach Barry Trotz broke the record for most games coached by the original coach of an expansion team (392 games).
June 2003: Predators host NHL entry draft
In June 2003, the Nashville Predators hosted the NHL entry draft, where they selected Shea Weber with the 49th overall pick.
October 30, 2003: First Instance of Catfish Throwing
The Tennessean newspaper of Nashville cites October 30, 2003, as the first instance of a fan throwing a catfish onto the ice in support of the Nashville Predators.
2003: Predators qualify for Stanley Cup playoffs
During the 2003–04 season, the Predators qualified for their first Stanley Cup playoffs.
2004: Gaylord Entertainment Center logo adorned the shoulders
From 1998 to 2004 the secondary logo featuring the Gaylord Entertainment Center (now Bridgestone Arena) tower adorned the shoulders of the Predators jersey.
2004: Predators qualify for first postseason berth
In the 2003–04 season, the Nashville Predators finished eighth in the Western Conference, qualifying for their first postseason berth and were eliminated by the Detroit Red Wings in six games.
August 2005: Predators sign Paul Kariya
In August 2005, the Nashville Predators made their biggest free agent signing to that point, signing Paul Kariya to a two-year, $9 million contract.
2005: Patric Hornqvist drafted by the Predators
2010 saw a breakout year for Patric Hornqvist as the 23-year-old Swede scored 30 in the 2009–10 season, even though he was the last pick in the 2005 draft.
2005: Penguins deal backed out
In 2005, Del Biaggio had previously entered an agreement to purchase the Pittsburgh Penguins, but the club backed out of the deal after winning that year's NHL draft lottery.
2005: Saber-toothed cat logo replaced tower logo
In 2005, the saber-toothed cat logo replaced the tower alternate logo on the shoulders of the Nashville Predators' primary uniforms.
2005: Predators set NHL record
In the 2005-06 season, the Nashville Predators set an NHL record by winning their first four games by one goal each. They also became only the fourth NHL franchise to start the season 8-0.
March 16, 2006: Predators set franchise mark for wins
On March 16, 2006, the Nashville Predators set the franchise mark for wins in a season with a 2-0 shutout of the Phoenix Coyotes. Chris Mason also became the ninth goaltender to score a goal in that match.
July 2, 2006: Predators Acquire Jason Arnott
On July 2, 2006, the Nashville Predators acquired veteran center Jason Arnott through free agency.
May 23, 2007: Agreement to sell the team
On May 23, 2007, Craig Leipold reached a tentative agreement to sell the Nashville Predators to Jim Balsillie, chairman and co-CEO of Research in Motion. Leipold indicated the team would play the 2007–08 season in Nashville, but its future beyond that was uncertain.
June 2007: Leipold no longer wants to sell to Balsillie
In June 2007, information leaked that Craig Leipold no longer wanted to sell the Predators to Jim Balsillie. A campaign emerged to relocate the team to Kansas City, Missouri. Leipold reportedly planned to sell the team to William "Boots" Del Biaggio III, who aimed to move the club to Kansas City's new Sprint Center for the 2008–09 season.
July 19, 2007: Our Team Nashville rally
On July 19, 2007, Our Team Nashville held a rally at the Sommet Center to encourage fans to buy season tickets to help the Predators meet attendance figures. The rally drew approximately 7,500 fans and sold the equivalent of 726 full-season tickets.
August 1, 2007: Letter of intent from Craig Leipold
On August 1, 2007, Our Team Nashville released a letter of intent from Craig Leipold.
November 29, 2007: Sale to local group approved
On November 29, 2007, after negotiations with the City of Nashville, the local group headed by David Freeman reached an agreement with Mayor Karl Dean. The NHL Board of Governors then approved the sale.
2007: Predators attain playoff spot
During the 2007–08 season, Dan Ellis's long shutout streak helped the Nashville Predators attain the eighth playoff spot with 91 points.
2007: End of "Mustard Cat" third jersey
From 2001 to 2007 the Nashville Predators wore mustard gold third jerseys featuring the front-facing saber-toothed cat logo, nicknamed "Mustard Cats."
2007: Previous Uniform
In 2007, The Nashville Predators used an alternate uniform that was later updated in 2022.
2007: Uniforms tweaked with Reebok's Edge template
In 2007, switching to Reebok's Edge template, the Nashville Predators made minor tweaks to their uniforms.
2007: Design inspired by the uniforms from 1998 to 2007
In the 2020-21 season, the Nashville Predators released a special "Reverse Retro" alternate uniform, using the design they wore from 1998 to 2007.
2007: Predators acquire Peter Forsberg
Late in the 2006-07 season, the Nashville Predators traded for Peter Forsberg, and finished the season ranked fourth in the Western Conference with a franchise-record 110 points. They were defeated by the Sharks in the first round of the 2007 playoffs for the second year in a row.
2007: End of original Predators uniforms
The original Nashville Predators uniforms were worn until 2007.
April 3, 2008: Standing Ovation Tradition Began
On April 3, 2008, during the final home game of the regular season, a standing ovation was given to the Predators through the final TV timeout, beginning a fan tradition.
June 2008: Del Biaggio's legal troubles
In June 2008, William Del Biaggio encountered legal problems over unpaid loans, leading to his Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. He faced an FBI investigation and criminal charges for allegedly acquiring loans fraudulently to buy his stake in the team.
2008: Ownership of Predators transferred
In 2008, ownership of the Nashville Predators was transferred from Craig Leipold to a locally based ownership group.
2008: Predators qualified for playoffs
In 2008, the Nashville Predators qualified for the playoffs.
2008: Quiet Off-Season for Predators
The first off-season of settling in under new ownership was a quiet one for the Predators with little personnel movement. The Predators finished the 2008–09 season with 88 points, missing the playoffs for the first time in five seasons.
2009: Navy third jerseys introduced
From 2009, the Nashville Predators wore navy third jerseys with black replacing gold as trim color.
2009: Predators sign Marcel Goc and Francis Bouillon
In the 2009 off-season, the Nashville Predators made few major additions, signing Marcel Goc and Francis Bouillon.
2009: Season
In the 2009-10 season, David Freeman stepped down as chairman of the Nashville Predators.
March 1, 2010: Freeman steps down as chairman
On March 1, 2010, during the 2009–10 season, David Freeman stepped down as chairman of the Nashville Predators, with Thomas Cigarran taking his place.
April 16, 2010: Predators earn first postseason road win
On April 16, 2010, the Nashville Predators earned their first postseason road win, beating the Chicago Blackhawks 4-1 at the United Center.
July 9, 2010: Shea Weber named captain
On July 9, 2010, Shea Weber was announced as the fifth captain of the Nashville Predators.
September 2, 2010: Local ownership group purchases Del Biaggio stake
On September 2, 2010, Thomas Cigarran announced that the local ownership group had completed the purchase of William Del Biaggio's stake in the Nashville Predators.
April 24, 2011: Predators advance to second round of playoffs
On April 24, 2011, the Nashville Predators advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, defeating the Anaheim Ducks. Two days prior, Pekka Rinne was nominated as a Vezina Trophy finalist.
June 22, 2011: Predators unveil modified logo
On June 22, 2011, the Nashville Predators unveiled their modified logo, simplifying the color scheme to blue, gold, and white, and introducing a new alternate logo incorporating elements from a guitar pick and the Tennessee state flag.
November 3, 2011: Predators sign Pekka Rinne to contract
On November 3, 2011, the Nashville Predators signed goaltender Pekka Rinne to a seven-year, $49 million deal, the largest contract in Predators' history at that time.
November 2011: Wilson purchases interest in the Predators
In November 2011, Calgary businessman W. Brett Wilson purchased a 5% interest in the Nashville Predators.
2011: New jersey design and color scheme
For the 2011-12 season, the Nashville Predators changed their jersey design and color scheme to bright gold and white with navy highlights.
2011: End of navy third jerseys
The Nashville Predators wore navy third jerseys from 2009 to 2011 with black replacing gold as trim color.
February 27, 2012: Predators acquire Andrei Kostitsyn and Paul Gaustad
On February 27, 2012, the Nashville Predators acquired Andrei Kostitsyn and Paul Gaustad during the NHL's trade deadline. For the second year in a row, the Predators won a first-round series in the Stanley Cup playoffs, defeating the Red Wings in a best-of-seven series 4–1.
2012: Predators failed to qualify for playoffs
In 2012, the Nashville Predators failed to qualify for the playoffs in the shortened 48-game season, marking the first time they had missed the playoffs since the 2008-09 season.
March 5, 2014: David Legwand traded to Detroit Red Wings
On March 5, 2014, David Legwand, the first player ever drafted by the Predators, was traded to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for Calle Järnkrok, Patrick Eaves, and a third-round pick in the 2014 NHL entry draft.
May 6, 2014: Peter Laviolette hired as head coach
On May 6, 2014, the Nashville Predators announced Peter Laviolette as their new head coach after the team opted not to renew Barry Trotz's contract.
2015: Predators lost in the first round of the playoffs
In 2015, during Peter Laviolette's first season as head coach, the Predators finished second in the Central Division and lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Chicago Blackhawks.
June 23, 2016: Freeman files lawsuit against Predators and Cigarran
On June 23, 2016, David Freeman filed a $250 million lawsuit against the Nashville Predators and Thomas Cigarran. He claimed his ownership stake was improperly diluted due to Cigarran's failure to notify him of capital calls, and that he had not received agreed-upon loan guaranty fees.
June 29, 2016: Weber traded to Montreal Canadiens for Subban
On June 29, 2016, the Nashville Predators traded Weber to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for P. K. Subban, a move that surprised many fans due to its confidentiality.
July 29, 2016: Arbitration
On July 29, 2016, the lawsuit was sent to court-ordered arbitration under NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.
September 7, 2016: Mike Fisher named captain
On September 7, 2016, the Nashville Predators announced that Mike Fisher would replace Weber as the sixth captain of the club.
2016: Gold helmets became permanent
From the 2016-17 season, gold helmets became a permanent part of the Nashville Predators' home uniform.
2016: Predators Finished Fourth in Central Division
In 2016, the Predators finished fourth in the Central Division, earning the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
May 16, 2017: Keith Urban hoisted a catfish on the Jumbotron
On May 16, 2017, during game 3 of the conference finals at Bridgestone Arena, country music singer, songwriter, and record producer Keith Urban was seen on the Jumbotron hoisting a massive catfish. Keith Urban had performed the national anthem prior to the game.
May 22, 2017: Predators won Western Conference Finals
On May 22, 2017, the Nashville Predators defeated the Anaheim Ducks 6–3, winning the series four games to two, claiming the Western Conference title, and advancing to their first Stanley Cup Final.
2017: Predators Advance to Stanley Cup Final
In 2017, the Nashville Predators advanced to their first Stanley Cup Final but were defeated by the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games.
2017: Changed Uniform Style with Adidas Template
In the 2017-18 season, the Nashville Predators changed their uniform style to fit with the new Adidas template.
January 25, 2018: Arbitration
As of January 25, 2018, the arbitration was still ongoing in the unresolved dispute.
April 5, 2018: Predators Clinched First Division Title
On April 5, 2018, the Nashville Predators clinched their first division title in team history while also claiming their first Presidents' Trophy.
2019: Predators Lost in First Round of Playoffs
In 2019, the Nashville Predators clinched their second consecutive division title but lost to the Dallas Stars in the first round of the playoffs.
January 6, 2020: Laviolette fired as head coach
On January 6, 2020, the Nashville Predators fired head coach Laviolette.
January 7, 2020: John Hynes hired as head coach
On January 7, 2020, John Hynes was hired as the third head coach in the Nashville Predators' franchise history.
2020: Predators played in the 2020 Winter Classic
In 2020, the Nashville Predators played in their first outdoor game at the Winter Classic, facing the Dallas Stars at the Cotton Bowl.
2020: Special edition uniform for 2020 Winter Classic
In 2020, the Nashville Predators unveiled a special edition uniform for the Winter Classic, inspired by the Nashville Dixie Flyers uniforms.
2020: Reverse Retro alternate uniform released
In the 2020-21 season, the Nashville Predators released a special "Reverse Retro" alternate uniform, using the design they wore from 1998 to 2007.
2021: Predators were defeated by the Carolina Hurricanes
In 2021, the Nashville Predators returned to the playoffs, but were defeated by the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round.
February 26, 2022: Predators Lost 2022 Stadium Series Game
On February 26, 2022, the Nashville Predators hosted the Tampa Bay Lightning at Nissan Stadium in the 2022 Stadium Series, losing 3–2.
June 17, 2022: Bill Haslam to purchase shares
On June 17, 2022, the Predators announced that former Governor of Tennessee Bill Haslam would purchase shares in the club and become majority owner over several years.
2022: Released navy uniform for 2022 Stadium Series
For the 2022 Stadium Series, the Nashville Predators released a navy uniform with a thick gold stripe in front.
2022: Release of "Reverse Retro" uniform
In 2022, a second "Reverse Retro" uniform was released, using the 2001 to 2007 alternate uniform design but updated with the current athletic gold in place of mustard gold.
2022: Predators were swept by the Colorado Avalanche
In 2022, the Nashville Predators clinched the playoffs, but were swept by the Colorado Avalanche in the first round.
February 2023: David Poile announced his retirement
In February 2023, David Poile announced that he would retire as general manager of the Nashville Predators at the end of the 2022–23 season.
May 31, 2023: Andrew Brunette hired as head coach
On May 31, 2023, the Nashville Predators hired former player Andrew Brunette as the fourth head coach in franchise history.
June 30, 2023: Barry Trotz to succeed David Poile as general manager
Effective June 30, 2023, Barry Trotz was set to succeed David Poile as general manager of the Nashville Predators.
2024: Predators lost to Vancouver Canucks
In the 2023–24 season, the Nashville Predators lost to the Vancouver Canucks in six games in the first round of the 2024 playoffs.
October 11, 2025: Update
On October 11, 2025, the information was updated.
2025: Predators one of two Tennessee professional sports teams to not relocate
As of 2025, the Predators, along with Nashville SC, are one of two professional sports teams in the state of Tennessee to have not relocated from another location.
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