The oldest of the four most recent entries into the NHL, the Nashville Predators began play in 1998 and are one of the most stable franchises when it comes to front office. The ownership? Well, that's another story for another day. In their history, the Predators have had five captains, which is more telling of the style of play the Predators have employed in their time.
The early years of the team were led by Tom Fitzgerald, who brought expansion competitivness to the team from his days as an original Florida Panther. In his time as captain from 1998 to 2002, the Fitzgerald-led teams were competitive and played hard every night. That tradition continued with Greg Johnson, who captained the team from 2002 until 2006, and brought a Stanley Cup championship pedigree with him from his Detroit Red Wing days. A year of Kimmo Timonen followed, and in that season, the Preds briefly relied on star power to try and advance in the playoffs. It ultimately failed, and Timonen was traded to Philadelphia due to financial reasons (this will be a recurring theme with the Preds in their entire existence). Jason Arnott followed, and he brought back the toughness to the team (their usual level, anyway, which is very high). He would be captain until an offseason trade a few months ago, in which he would return to New Jersey. Shea Weber was named the fifth captain in team history soon after.
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