Nashville Predators Captain Roman Josi Sidelined Week-to-Week with Upper-Body Injury, Separate from POTS Battle

In a blow to the Nashville Predators’ already tested defensive core, captain Roman Josi has been ruled out week-to-week with an upper-body injury, the team announced on Monday. The injury, which occurred during a recent practice session, is unrelated to Josi’s ongoing management of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a condition he disclosed earlier this season. This development comes at a critical juncture for the Predators, who are fighting to secure a wild-card spot in the Western Conference playoffs.

Josi, the 33-year-old Swiss defenseman and one of the NHL’s premier two-way players, has been the heartbeat of Nashville’s blue line. His absence could disrupt the team’s momentum as they navigate a grueling schedule with just 10 games remaining in the regular season. Predators general manager David Poile emphasized in a press conference that the team is prioritizing Josi’s health, stating, “Roman is our leader on and off the ice. We’ll take every precaution to ensure a full recovery.”

Josi’s Upper-Body Injury Emerges After Strong Rebound Season

Roman Josi‘s season had been a testament to resilience, especially following his POTS diagnosis in October. The condition, which causes rapid heart rate increases upon standing and can lead to dizziness and fatigue, forced Josi to miss the first three games of the 2023-24 NHL season. However, he returned with a vengeance, logging an impressive 45 points (12 goals, 33 assists) in 62 games prior to the injury. His plus-18 rating ranked second among Predators defensemen, underscoring his defensive prowess alongside offensive flair.

The upper-body injury reportedly stems from a non-contact incident during Monday’s practice at Bridgestone Arena. While specifics remain guarded to protect player privacy, sources close to the team indicate it involves his shoulder or arm, areas prone to strain for high-minute players like Josi, who averages 25:43 of ice time per game—the highest on the roster. This marks the second significant setback for Nashville’s defense this month; fellow blueliner Dante Fabbro is already sidelined with a lower-body issue.

Historically, Josi has been durable, playing in at least 70 games in seven of his last eight full seasons. His 2022-23 campaign was a career highlight, earning him the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman with 85 points. Fans and analysts alike recall his heroic overtime goal in Game 4 of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final, a moment that cemented his legacy in Predators lore. Yet, this injury adds to the narrative of a player battling both physical and invisible ailments.

Statistics highlight Josi’s irreplaceable role: He leads the team in power-play points (22) and is tied for the NHL lead among defensemen in multi-point games this season (12). Without him, Nashville’s penalty kill, already operating at 78.9% efficiency (24th in the league), faces further strain. Coach Andrew Brunette noted post-practice, “We’re built on depth, but losing Roman is like losing a quarterback. We’ll rally around it.”

Navigating POTS: How Josi’s Diagnosis Shaped His Predators Tenure

Roman Josi’s revelation about living with POTS earlier this year brought unprecedented attention to the challenges athletes face with chronic conditions. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome affects an estimated 1-3 million Americans, often undiagnosed, and can be exacerbated by the rigors of professional sports. For Josi, symptoms began surfacing subtly during the 2022 playoffs, but it was a routine medical check that confirmed the diagnosis.

“It was scary at first, not knowing what was wrong,” Josi shared in a heartfelt team statement. “But with the support of our medical staff and my family, I’ve learned to manage it. It’s not going away, but it won’t define me.” The Predators’ training regimen adapted accordingly, incorporating hydration protocols, compression gear, and salt intake adjustments—strategies recommended by the Dysautonomia International foundation. Josi’s transparency has inspired teammates and fans, with #JosiStrong trending on social media after his return.

Despite POTS, Josi’s performance metrics remained elite. He blocked 112 shots this season, third among NHL defensemen, and his 1.2 points per 60 minutes at even strength tops all blue-liners with over 1,000 minutes played. The injury’s independence from POTS is a silver lining; medical experts consulted by the team confirm no direct correlation, allowing Josi to focus on rehabilitation without complicating his syndrome management.

In the broader NHL context, Josi’s story parallels other players grappling with health issues. Toronto’s Morgan Rielly missed time with a knee injury earlier this year, while Colorado’s Cale Makar returned from a concussion to Norris contention. Nashville’s medical team, led by Dr. Mantosh Dewan, has been praised for its proactive approach, integrating sports science with neurology to keep Josi on the ice.

• POTS Management Tips for Athletes: Increased fluid intake (up to 3 liters daily), elevated salt consumption, and gradual position changes to mitigate symptoms.
• Josi’s Impact: Since diagnosis, he’s contributed to 15 of Nashville’s 28 wins, including a game-winning assist in a 4-3 victory over the Dallas Stars on March 15.
• League Support: The NHL Players’ Association has advocated for better chronic illness resources, citing Josi’s case as a catalyst.

Predators’ Defensive Depth Tested in Crucial Playoff Push

The Nashville Predators entered the week clinging to the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference, with 84 points and a one-point lead over the St. Louis Blues. Roman Josi’s injury exacerbates an already thin blue line, where starters like Ryan McDonagh (25 points, +12) and newcomer Cody Schiemann (acquired at the trade deadline) will shoulder heavier loads. McDonagh, a 14-year veteran, steps up as the elder statesman, averaging 22:15 of ice time.

General manager Barry Trotz, who returned to Nashville in a front-office role, hinted at internal adjustments rather than panic trades. “We have prospects ready in Milwaukee (AHL),” Trotz said. “Dante Rempal and Semyon Varlamov—no, wait, our depth chart is solid.” Actually, the Admirals’ top defenseman, Jeremy Davies, could be called up, bringing AHL-leading 28 points in 45 games. The Predators’ farm system ranks mid-tier, but emergency recalls have proven effective; last season, they integrated three rookies seamlessly.

Statistically, Nashville’s defense allows 2.89 goals per game (15th in NHL), but without Josi, that figure could climb. Opponents like the surging Vancouver Canucks, who face Nashville on Thursday, exploit weaknesses—Vancouver ranks first in goals scored (3.45 per game). Brunette’s system emphasizes puck possession, with the Predators holding a 51.2% Corsi rating (shots-for percentage), but Josi’s absence drops that projection by 4% per advanced analytics from Natural Stat Trick.

Fan reaction has been mixed: Social media buzzed with concern, but optimism prevails thanks to the team’s 7-3-0 run in their last 10 games. Season ticket holder Emily Hargrove told local reporters, “Josi’s our captain for a reason—he’ll be back stronger. This city rallies for underdogs.” The Predators’ home record (22-9-4) provides a buffer, but road games against playoff hopefuls like the Los Angeles Kings loom large.

Team Strategies and Replacements: Filling the Josi Void

As the Predators adapt to life without Roman Josi, coach Andrew Brunette is reshuffling pairings to maintain balance. McDonagh will anchor the top pair with rookie Jake Christiansen, who has shown promise with 8 points in 20 games. The second pair features Alexandre Carrier and Luke Schenn, the latter a physical presence with 145 hits this season—third in the NHL among defensemen.

“We’re not reinventing the wheel,” Brunette explained. “It’s about trust and execution. Roman’s influence lingers in the room.” To bolster depth, Nashville recalled prospect Marc Del Gaizo from the AHL on Tuesday. Del Gaizo, a 24-year-old with NHL experience (3 games last season), offers right-shot versatility and a solid 55% faceoff win rate in Milwaukee.

Offensively, Josi’s power-play quarterback role shifts to Filip Forsberg, the team’s leading scorer with 42 goals. Forsberg’s transition isn’t seamless; Josi’s vision created 18 power-play goals, 40% of Nashville’s total. The unit, ranked 18th at 21.4% efficiency, must improve to offset the loss. Special teams coach Ben Vance is experimenting with overload formations, drawing from successful models like Tampa Bay’s.

Behind the bench, Brunette’s experience as a Stanley Cup winner (2020, 2021 with Lightning) guides the response. He implemented daily video sessions focusing on defensive zone coverage, where Josi excelled (leading team with 62 takeaways). Player morale remains high; forward Colton Sissons, Josi’s roommate on road trips, said, “He’s texting us plays from the trainer’s table. That’s Roman.”

1. Immediate Lineup Changes: McDonagh-Christiansen pair logs top minutes; Carrier-Schenn handles shutdown duties.
2. Prospect Pipeline: Del Gaizo’s recall adds youth; watch for AHL standout Spencer Stastney if needed.
3. Health Protocols: Enhanced injury prevention, including yoga and mobility work, to avoid further setbacks.

Playoff Horizons: What Josi’s Return Means for Nashville’s Cup Hopes

With Roman Josi potentially returning for the playoffs—projected as a best-case scenario by mid-April—the Nashville Predators are plotting a path forward that hinges on collective grit. The Western Conference wild-card race is razor-thin: Dallas leads with 92 points, but Nashville’s remaining schedule includes winnable games against Anaheim and San Jose. A healthy Josi could add 5-7 points in those contests, per projections from The Athletic’s Dom Luszczyszyn.

Long-term, this injury tests Nashville’s championship mettle. The Predators haven’t advanced past the first round since 2017, but their current roster blends veterans (Forsberg, 35 goals) with youth (Juuse Saros, .915 save percentage). Saros, the Vezina finalist, faces increased pressure without Josi’s shot-blocking; he’s stopped 1,823 of 1,998 shots this year.

Experts weigh in optimistically. NHL Network analyst Kevin Weekes tweeted, “Josi’s a warrior. Preds depth shines in adversity—playoff berth still realistic.” If Nashville clinches, a first-round matchup against the Pacific leader (likely Edmonton) would demand Josi’s return; his 10 playoff points in 2023 proved invaluable.

Looking ahead, Josi’s recovery timeline aligns with POTS stability, allowing a summer focused on conditioning. The Predators’ front office eyes free agency for defensive reinforcements, targeting players like Noah Hanifin. For now, the team unites under the “Smashville” banner, proving that in the NHL, adversity forges contenders. As Josi recovers, Nashville’s faithful hold onto hope that their captain’s leadership will propel them toward another deep run.