Predators Roman Josi & Juuse Saros To Partake In NHL All-Star Skills Competition

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Nashville Predators All-Stars Roman Josi and Juuse Saros will be showing off their talents as they participate in the NHL All-Stars Skills Competition in Las Vegas today (Feb. 4).

Saros, who is coming off his 100th career win, will participate in the Dunkin’ NHL Save Streak. This season, Saros is averaging 2.35 goals against and has a .927 save percentage which is tied for fourth best in the league.

Preds captain Josi, who was named to the All-Star to replace Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon, will show off his shooting skills in the Discover NHL Fountain Face-Off. This competition will take place on the iconic Bellagio Fountains. Players will travel by boat to the “rink” and will have to successfully shoot pucks into five targets in the least amount of time. Qualifying players move to the head-to-head final.

The individual winner of each event of the 2022 NHL All-Star Skills, presented by DraftKings Sportsbook, will earn $30,000.

Fans can watch the Skills Competition today (Feb. 4) at 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPN. The All-Star game will be on Saturday, Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. CT.

Nashville Predators Partner With HelloFresh

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The Nashville Predators announced that they have partnered with HelloFresh, one of the world’s leading meal-kit company.

This multi-year partnership, which offers Predators fans an exclusive deal when signing up for the first time, is the organization’s first partnership with a meal-kit service.

“We are excited to partner with the preeminent meal delivery service HelloFresh,” says Chris Junghans, Nashville Predators Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer. “We all know life can get hectic and typically nutrition takes a back seat when that happens. With HelloFresh, Preds fans will have a delicious and time-saving way to prepare meals for themselves and their families.”

The Nashville Predators will launch a social media campaign this month to share weekly HelloFresh recipes and tips. The new partnership will also feature in-game elements such as specialty HelloFresh prizes and offers for fans to enjoy.

“Predators fans are some of the most passionate and loyal fans in the world. Through this new partnership, we’re excited to connect with Preds fans both in the arena and in their kitchens, introducing them to HelloFresh’s wide variety of delicious and convenient meal solutions,” says Jens Reich, Managing Director and CMO, HelloFresh US.

Additionally, the partnership offers Preds fans a unique discount code. Fans can score $110 off their order and free shipping at hellofresh.com/preds, or by using promo code PREDS.

Roman Josi Added To 2022 NHL All-Star Roster

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Roman Josi. Photo: Courtesy of the Nashville Predators

Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi has been added to the upcoming NHL All-Star roster, replacing Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon.

This will be Josi’s fourth All-Star appearance after being named to the 2016, 2019, and 2020 teams.

The Preds captain is a Norris Trophy favorite this season, scoring 43 points with 13 goals and 30 assists in just 43 games played. He was originally left out of the All-Star team after failing to get enough fan votes.

Josi is currently fourth in points and second in goals among all defensemen. He leads the Preds in points and time on the ice per game.

Las Vegas is set to host the 2022 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend, Feb. 4-5. The All-Stars will showcase their talents in the 2022 NHL All-Star Skills on Friday, Feb. 4 before facing off in the 2022 Honda NHL All-Star Game on Saturday, Feb. 5.

Preds Foundation To Rename Grants Program After Former Senior Vice President Gerry Helper

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The Nashville Predators Foundation empowered by SmileDirectClub will be renaming the Preds Foundation Grants Program to the Preds Foundation “Helper Grants” honoring recently retired Predators Senior Vice President and Senior Advisor, Gerry Helper.

Helper retired in December of 2021 after a 40 year long career in the NHL. He had been with the Predators for 24 years.

“We are beyond honored to rename our grants program after Gerry Helper,” says Rebecca King, VP of Community Relations for the Nashville Predators. “Gerry has played an instrumental role in the Preds Foundation since inception and has helped in awarding more than $20 million to the Middle Tennessee community through Predators Foundation grants and other programs. He is very deserving of this recognition and legacy.”

Along with the renaming, the Nashville Predators Foundation will be donating $24,000 in Helper’s name to two different charities–one thousand dollars for each year of his 24 years of service to the Nashville Predators and the Middle Tennessee community. A donation of $12,000 is being donated to the Athletics Fund at St. Bonaventure University, Helper’s alma mater, and another $12,000 is being donated to Williamson County CASA, one of Helper’s favorite local charities.

The Preds Foundation 2022 Helper Grant application cycle is currently open until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 28. The Preds Foundation board review committee will review the grants in February, vote to approve in March, and announce the 2022 recipients in April. Funding will be allocated in May.

In 2021, the Preds Foundation distributed a record amount of $735,000 to 187 middle Tennessee non-profit organizations.

Roman Josi Becomes Predators All-Time Leader In Assists

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Roman Josi. Photo: Courtesy of the Nashville Predators

Nashville Predators’ captain Roman Josi hit another milestone, becoming the club’s all-time leader in assists. He assisted two goals in last night’s (Jan. 20) 5-2 win against Winnipeg.

“It’s really cool,” said Josi in a postgame press conference. “I’ve been really fortunate to play here for so long–playing in this great city in front of our great fans and amazing organization. I’ve had some amazing teammates. I’m really fortunate to have played with so many great players in the past and now. It’s definitely pretty special.”

Josi broke the record with an assist to Mike Granlund in the first period, accumulating 357 assists. He picked up his second assist of the night, and 358th career assist, a few minutes later. He surpassed former Nashville forward David Legwand for the record.

“For Roman, it’s special for him. He’s a special player and it’s a great accomplishment for him,” said Preds head coach John Hynes. “It’s not going to stop there because that’s just the type of person and leader he is for our team, the organization, and the city of Nashville. To represent what he represents as a player and a person is really special. We’re around a great player and a great person, so we’re really happy for him tonight. [It is] certainly well deserved, and I think it speaks volumes about his ability as a player.”

This season Josi is currently tied for ninth in assists with 29, and 13th in points with 42. He leads the team in points and assists, and is third in goals with 13.

The Predators snapped a four-game losing streak with their win over the Jets. Josi and Nashville take on the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday, Jan. 22, at Bridgestone Arena at 7:30 p.m. CT.

Predators, NHL Announce Rescheduling Of Postponed Games

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Photo: Courtesy of the Nashville Predators

The NHL has updated the regular season schedule to fit in games postponed over the past two months.

Over the past two months, 98 NHL games have been postponed due to COVID-19 outbreaks among teams. All 98 games will be rescheduled while the end date of regular season, April 29, being extended.

These games will be played within a 16-day window in February in place of the Winter Olympic Games, which the NHL pulled out of.

“We are profoundly grateful to our fans for their support and understanding during a challenging time, and to our Clubs, the NHL Players’ Association and the Players for their cooperation in a rescheduling of unprecedented logistical complexity,” says NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly.

The Nashville Predators have rescheduled eight games and will play five of them in February.

The complete list of updated games to the Predators’ 2021-22 regular-season schedule is as follows:

  • The start time for the Nashville vs. Detroit game on Saturday, Jan. 22 at Bridgestone Arena has been moved from 7 p.m. CT to 7:30 p.m. CT.
  • Nashville at Dallas, originally scheduled for Dec. 27, will now be played on Wednesday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. CT at American Airlines Center.
  • Nashville vs. Winnipeg, originally scheduled for Dec. 21, will now be played on Saturday, Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. CT at Bridgestone Arena.
  • Nashville vs. Washington, originally scheduled for April 2, will now be played on Tuesday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. CT at Bridgestone Arena.
  • Nashville at Carolina, originally scheduled for Dec. 19, will now be played on Friday, Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. CT at PNC Arena.
  • Nashville at Florida, originally scheduled for Dec. 23, will now be played on Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. CT at FLA Live Arena.
  • Nashville at Ottawa, originally scheduled for Nov. 18, will now be played on Thursday, April 7 at 6 p.m. CT at Canadian Tire Centre.
  • Nashville vs. Calgary, originally scheduled for Dec. 14, will now be played on Tuesday, April 19 at 7 p.m. CT at Bridgestone Arena.

NHL, NHLPA Update COVID-19 Protocols Ahead Of 2022 All-Star Game

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After a spike in COVID-19 cases during the holiday break and with the All-Star break on the horizon, the NHL and NHL Player Association have updated their COVID protocol for players and staff.

The isolation period protocol update the league issued on Dec. 29 has been functioning well in its current form, according to the NHL and NHLPA. A significant portion of players appear to be exiting isolation after five days, with a lab-based PCR test.

The NHL will continue to test players, coach and staff the same way through Feb. 3 as long as positive tests continue to decrease, and pending review and agreement by Jan. 31 by the NHL’s and NHLPA’s medical experts. The league and player’s association will also make recommendations for relaxation of the enhanced measures on the Jan. 31 meeting.

Protocol will be updated as follows:

  • There will be no testing of Fully Vaccinated Players and Staff during the All-Star break (including for participating Players and staff), unless needed for travel or development of symptoms.
  • There will be a single test upon re-entry to Club facilities post-All-Star, after which there will no longer be asymptomatic testing, or testing of Fully Vaccinated close contacts.
  • Thereafter, testing will continue only on a limited “for cause” basis in Fully Vaccinated Players and Staff who develop symptoms or require testing for cross-border travel.
  • The post-COVID “testing holiday” will remain at 90 days, but symptom-based testing can still be done at the team physician’s discretion. Testing for cross-border travel post-COVID will be dictated by the relevant health authority, which is currently 90 days for entry to the U.S. and 180 days for entry to Canada.

Juuse Saros Selected To 2022 NHL All-Star Game

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Juuse Saros. Photo: Courtesy of the Nashville Predators

Nashville Predators’ goaltender Juuse Saros has been selected to the Central Division’s roster for the 2022 NHL All-Star Game. This is Saros first All-Star selection.

Prior to Thursday night’s (Jan.13) 4-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres, Saros boasted a 20-9-1 record, 2.27 goals-against average and .928 save percentage in 30 starts for the Preds. Among all goaltenders who have played in at least 20 games, Saros is tied for first in wins, fifth in save percentage, and seventh in goals-against average; he leads all Central Division goalies in all three categories.

Saros, who replaced legendary Nashville goaltender Pekka Rinne, has been one of the key factors for the team’s success this season. He’s helped lead the team to a five game win streak, which has put them on top of the Central Division. During the Preds win streak, Saros stopped 202 of 213 shots for a .948 save percentage, making at least 40 saves three times, including a season-high 46 on Jan. 6 against Las Vegas.

He is now the third goaltender in Predators history to be named to an NHL All-Star Game roster, joining Rinne (2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019) and Tomas Vokoun (2004).

The NHL is finishing up fan All-Star voting with the “Last Men In,” which includes Roman Josi. The team captain is having one of his best seasons, leading the team and placing second among all NHL defensemen in points with 37 (12 goals, 25 assists.) Josi also ranks second among League blueliners in goals with 12. If voted in, it’ll be his fourth All-Star game after being selected in 2016, 2019 and 2020.

“Last Men In” voting started on Thursday night and runs through Monday, Jan. 17 at 10:59 p.m. CT. Participants can cast a maximum of 10 ballots in a 24-hour period.

The 2022 NHL All-Star Game is set for Feb. 5 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.