SOURCES: NHL charge Predators’ player Roman Josi $80k under suspension
Although the Nashville Predators’ postseason didn’t necessarily go as well as most had hoped, it did allow captain Roman Josi a chance to play for his home country of Switzerland during the IIHF World Championship, and allowed him to secure a silver medal at the end of the tournament.
Josi was named a finalist for the Norris Trophy at the end of the regular season, a product of another phenomenal offensive and defensive season for the veteran captain. He had what most people would call the “hot stick”, so getting to continue his hot streak in worlds was huge for his game.
Not only was this a good opportunity for him to play, but he was also able to reunite with former teammate and now Winnipeg Jet, Nino Niederreiter. The two played on the Preds together for quite some time, so this reunion was certainly exciting for the pair. When each of them scored, more often than not the other assisted on the goal. Their chemistry on the ice was stronger than ever, and they were able to help lead the team to a silver medal.
Before announcing that he was going to be attending the tournament, New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier was named captain of team Switzerland, but upon learning that Josi would be attending after being eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Hischier turned down the captaincy and gave it to Josi.
Hischier had previously stated that he grew up idolizing Josi when he was playing as Josi was another strong Swiss player playing in the NHL. Hischier voiced that if he were ever to play for his home country with Josi that he would be sure that Josi got the captaincy over him, so the decision for Josi to become captain this year was quick and to the point.