Predators make Roman Josi 8th captain in franchise history

The Nashville Predators named defenseman Roman Josi the eighth captain in team history on Tuesday.

In addition, defensemen Ryan Ellis and Mattias Ekholm and forwards Ryan Johansen and Filip Forsberg have been named alternate captains. Meanwhile, P.K. Subban, Nick Bonino, and Pekka Rinne will all take positions among the team's leadership group.

Josi steps into the role after the club's previous captain, Mike Fisher, announced his retirement this offseason. With the designation, Josi also becomes the second Swiss captain in NHL history and the second player drafted by the club to be named captain, joining Shea Weber.

"I'm really excited," Josi said in a release. "It's obviously a huge honor, and I've had some really good guys to learn from with former captains Shea Weber and Mike Fisher in the time I've been here. It's definitely a huge honor, and I know we have a great leadership group, a great group of guys, so I'm really excited."

"This is the right time to name Roman the captain of our franchise," general manager David Poile added. "Not only is he one of our best players, but he's also one of the top defensemen in the entire league. He's respected by his teammates, coaches and opponents and he represents our organization and logo with the utmost class and integrity on and off the ice. I know Roman is ready to become captain and I have no doubt he will fulfill these duties with the same passion we've become accustomed to seeing from him day after day."

Josi is coming off his sixth season with the Predators, in which he finished fourth in team scoring during the regular season and second during the playoffs.