Nashville Predators
The Predators are Nashville's original NHL franchise, founded in 1997 and playing at Bridgestone Arena since 1998.
The Nashville Predators (colloquially referred to as the Preds) are a professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee. The Predators compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division in the Western Conference. The team has played its home games at Bridgestone Arena since 1998. The Predators are currently affiliated with two minor league teams: the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League (AHL), and the Atlanta Gladiators of the ECHL. The club was founded in 1997, when the NHL granted an expansion franchise to Craig Leipold, with the team beginning play in the 1998–99 season.
- Preseason Announcement
- June 25, 2025
- Regular Season Announcement
- July 16, 2025
- Roster Update Date
- July 4, 2025
- Draft Dates
- June 26 and 27, 2025
- Draft Location
- KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York
Lore & Background
The franchise was established on June 25, 1997. The team's logo, a saber-toothed cat (Smilodon fatalis), references a partial Smilodon skeleton found beneath downtown Nashville in 1971. The name 'Predators' was submitted by owner Craig Leipold and won a fan vote. The Predators advanced to their first Stanley Cup Final in 2017, but were defeated by the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games. In the following season, the Predators won their first Presidents' Trophy and Central Division title.
In Their Own Story
It strictly lists administrative milestones: the announcement of the preseason on June 25, 2026; the regular season schedule release on July 16, 2026; and the draft dates of June 26–27, 2026 in Buffalo. There are no descriptions of arena atmospheres, specific game scores, or dramatic turning points within a match context in this document.
Reader's Guide
The 2026–27 Nashville Predators season will be the 28th season for the National Hockey League franchise that was established on June 25, 1997. The preseason schedule was announced on June 25, 2026. The regular season schedule was announced on July 16, 2026. Player rosters were updated as of July 4, 2026. The 2026 NHL entry draft was held on June 26 and 27, 2026.
Did You Know?
- The Predators are one of two professional sports teams in Tennessee to have not relocated from another location (as of 2026).
- The Predators became only the fourth NHL franchise to start a season 8–0, doing so in the 2005–06 season.
- Goaltender Chris Mason became the ninth goaltender to score a goal in the NHL during the 2005–06 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Nashville Predators franchise begin?
The team was established on June 25, 1997, initiating their long-term presence in professional hockey. By the upcoming campaign, they are set to enter their 28th season of play.
When were the schedules for the 2026–27 season announced?
The preseason schedule was revealed on June 25, 2026, coinciding with the franchise's anniversary date. Regular season details followed shortly after on July 16, 2026.
When were player rosters updated for this specific season?
Official roster records were updated as of July 4, 2026, prior to the start of the new league year. This ensures all personnel information is accurate before games commence.
Where did the team participate in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft?
The draft took place at the KeyBank Center located in Buffalo, New York. Nashville selected players during this event held on June 26 and 27 of that year.
How many seasons has the franchise completed by 2026?
This specific campaign represents the 28th season since the organization's founding nearly thirty years prior. It highlights their sustained operation within the league structure.
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