Since 2013-14, only four defensemen have registered more regular-season points than Predators anchor Roman Josi (205): Erik Karlsson, Brent Burns, Victor Hedman, and Dustin Byfuglien.
That's some pretty well-known company, but despite production that places him among the league's elite blue-liners, Josi was severely underrated before Nashville's run to the Stanley Cup Final. He's gained more respect while playing on the national stage, but why isn't Josi already a bigger star? Here are four possible reasons he's been overlooked.
Shea Weber's D partner
During his first five seasons in the NHL, Josi was paired predominantly with Shea Weber. The perennial Norris candidate, team captain, Olympic gold medalist, and owner of the league's hardest shot obviously drew most of the attention.
Small-market, Western Conference team
Though Smashville has gained admirers across the continent during these playoffs, it's still one of the smallest markets in the NHL, and as a young franchise, the Predators don't have a storied history.
They also play in the Western Conference, so many of their games are late at night for viewers who live farther east, and East Coast bias is still a thing. Few prime-time games on major networks - the Predators only played on NBCSN twice during the regular season - make it tough to watch Josi unless you have NHL GameCenter or live in Tennessee.
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
Switzerland's low hockey profile
Players from Canada and the United States get more attention while playing in their respective countries, and even players from Sweden, Finland, and Russia are highlighted on the international stage. But playing for Switzerland means Josi's rarely been seen competing in the late stages of the Olympics, World Championship, or world juniors.
The only time he did appear in an international final - the 2013 World Championship - he was named tournament MVP at age 22, and scored the only goal in a 5-1 loss to Sweden.
Not a highly touted prospect
Had Josi been a top pick in his draft class, his nationality may not have mattered much. Anze Kopitar (Slovenia), Marian Hossa (Slovakia), and Leon Draisaitl (Germany) are widely considered stars despite hailing from smaller hockey nations. Kopitar's and Hossa's profiles were raised by Stanley Cup wins, but all three players were high draft picks.
Instead, Josi was a second-round selection in 2008, and while there may have been some hype surrounding him within the Predators organization, it certainly wasn't league-wide. He just came into the league and quietly became a great defenseman by his third season.
Is Josi a star now?
Josi's certainly left his mark on the Stanley Cup Playoffs: He has 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in 19 games with a team-leading 67 shots on goal. He's an exceptionally smooth skater with a rocket of a shot, as well as one of the league's most disciplined players - and the hockey world has taken notice.
Expect the NHL to start marketing Josi like the star he is next season.
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