Predators’ Roman Josi placed on injured reserve; Cole Smith out 3-6 weeks

The Nashville Predators announced Sunday that they’ve placed defenseman Roman Josi on injured reserve. Additionally, forward Cole Smith will be out three to six weeks with an upper-body injury.

Josi has missed Nashville’s last five games due to an upper-body injury that is unrelated to his postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) diagnosis he received in the summer. It’s unclear exactly when the Predators captain will be ready to return, as he is currently considered week-to-week.

In eight games played this season, Josi has a goal and four assists. The Swiss national is in his 15th NHL season, all with Nashville, and is the franchise’s all-time leader in games played and points. He is currently in the sixth season of an eight-year, $72.472 million contract with the Predators. Josi also ranks 29th on the NHL’s all-time list for scoring among defensemen, just three points behind the Washington Capitals‘ John Carlson.

Smith’s injury occured during Nashville’s 4-2 win over the Calgary Flames on Saturday, after getting hit along the boards by Calgary’s Ryan Lomberg.

In 13 games this season, Smith has three goals and zero assists. After a four-year career with the University of North Dakota, Smith signed a one-year contract with the Predators as he was never drafted by an NHL team. Smith spent the majority of his first two seasons as a professional in the AHL, and began his career as a full-time Predator in the 2022-23 season. Smith’s best season came in 2023-24, when he notched nine goals and 14 assists for 23 points in 80 games. He is currently in the second season of a two-year, $2 million deal with Nashville.

The Predators will take on the Vancouver Canucks at home on Monday, and then head out for a one-game road trip to play the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday.