Jason Arnott

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Jason Arnott arrived in Nashville via a five-year, $22.5 million contract as an unrestricted free agent in the 2006 off-season, bringing with him the experience of a Stanley Cup champion and a reputation as a power forward. He was named the Predators' fourth captain in franchise history on September 12, 2007. Arnott's finest moments in gold came during the 2008 playoffs, where he led the team with six goals in six games, including a memorable hat trick in Game 4 against the Detroit Red Wings. That hat trick—a backhand, a one-timer, and a rocket from the slot—sent Bridgestone into a frenzy and briefly knotted the series. His physical style and heavy shot made him a fan favorite. He also represented the Predators at the 2008 NHL All-Star Game. Arnott was traded back to the New Jersey Devils on June 19, 2010, in exchange for forward Matt Halischuk and a second-round pick in 2011, but his legacy as a captain who helped solidify Nashville's identity as a tough, competitive club endures.

In Their Own Story

The Bridgestone Arena crowd was a wall of sound as Game 4 against Detroit reached its climax. Arnott, wearing the 'C' on his chest, had already scored twice—first a greasy backhand, then a one-timer from the slot. Now, with the puck on his stick in the slot, he saw a sliver of net. He wound up and fired—a laser that beat Chris Osgood clean. The red light flashed, the hat trick was complete, and the building erupted. For a moment, the Predators had a 2-2 series tie, and Arnott stood at center ice, arms raised, embodying the heart of a team that refused to back down.

Reader's Guide

Jason Arnott's era with the Nashville Predators spanned four seasons (2006–2010), a period when the franchise evolved from a plucky expansion team into a legitimate playoff threat. He was a classic power forward, using his frame to protect the puck and create scoring chances. His greatest achievements in Nashville include being named captain for three seasons and setting the franchise record for most goals in one season, 33 in 2008–09 (a record since surpassed by Viktor Arvidsson in 2018–19). Arnott's presence elevated the play of his linemates and gave the Predators a reliable scoring threat down the middle. He also mentored younger players like David Legwand and Ryan Suter. Arnott's legacy in Nashville is that of a captain who brought credibility and toughness. He helped establish a winning culture and was a key figure in the team's first-ever playoff series win (2011, after his departure, but his foundation contributed). His heavy shot and harder edges made Bridgestone Arena a place opponents dreaded visiting.

Did You Know?

• Arnott was named the Predators' fourth captain in franchise history on September 12, 2007.
• He set the Nashville Predators record for most goals in one season, 33 in 2008–09.
• Arnott scored the Stanley Cup-winning goal for the New Jersey Devils in 2000, at 8:20 of double overtime in Game 6.
• He was traded back to the New Jersey Devils on June 19, 2010, in exchange for Matt Halischuk and a second-round pick in 2011.
• Arnott played in the NHL All-Star Game in 2008 while with the Predators.