Roman Josi
Swiss-born captain who won the Norris Trophy and became the highest-scoring Swiss-born NHL player.
via Wikipedia: Roman Josi · see source
Roman Josi is a Swiss professional ice hockey defenceman and captain for the Nashville Predators. Born 1 June 1990, he was drafted 38th overall by the Predators in the 2008 NHL entry draft. After growing up with SC Bern and winning the NLA championship in 2010, he joined the Predators organization. Josi became the first Swiss player and first Predator to win the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2019–20. In 2021 he surpassed Mark Streit as the highest-scoring Swiss-born NHL player. He is widely considered one of the best defencemen of his generation.
Quick Facts
- Born
- 1 June 1990
- Birthplace
- Bern, Switzerland
- Position
- Defence
- Shoots
- Left
- League
- NHL
- Team
- Nashville Predators
- Former teams
- SC Bern
- Draft
- 38th overall
Lore & Background
Josi grew up in an athletic household in Bern, Switzerland, the second son of Doris and Peter Josi. His mother was a former national team swimmer and his father played competitive soccer. Josi played both soccer and hockey before committing to ice hockey at age 10. He played with SC Bern from 2006 to 2010, making his National League debut in 2006–07 and becoming a mainstay in 2007–08. In 2008, he was one of just four 17-year-olds to play in Switzerland's top division. During the 2010 NLA playoffs, Josi led all defensemen and tied for fourth overall in goals as SC Bern won the Championship title. After signing a three-year entry-level contract on 28 May 2010, he joined the Predators' organization for the 2010–11 season, playing first with the Milwaukee Admirals before becoming a mainstay in the Predators lineup during the 2011–12 NHL season.
Reader's Guide
Josi's career with the Predators is defined by steady growth and record-breaking achievements. After his rookie season, he returned to SC Bern during the 2012 NHL lockout, playing alongside John Tavares and Mark Streit. When the lockout ended in January 2013, Josi returned to the Predators and set new career-highs in goals, assists, points, and games played. After Ryan Suter left, Josi stepped into a bigger role alongside Shea Weber, tallying four goals and 10 assists for 14 points through 31 games. In 2019–20, Josi became the first Swiss player and the first player in Predators' franchise history to win the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the league's best defenceman. In March 2023, Josi became the second-fastest active defenseman to reach 600 points in his NHL career, reaching the milestone in his 823rd game. He also set a new franchise record for most 40-assist seasons. Josi subsequently became the second defenseman to lead an active NHL franchise in points, joining Ray Bourque.
Did You Know?
- Josi scored his first NHL goal on 10 December 2011 to lift the Predators 3–2 over the Anaheim Ducks.
- He signed a seven-year, $28 million contract with the Predators on 10 June 2013.
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