A Look Back: David Poile Reflects on 25 Years of Cherished Predators Memories

On Wednesday, Nov. 22 the Nashville Predators will proudly welcome retired General Manager David Poile back to Smashville to celebrate his storied 51-year career in the National Hockey League and his service to the sport of hockey in Middle Tennessee and across the United States.

Before Poile steps into the spotlight Wednesday, he was asked to recount some of his most cherished memories from his 25 years at the helm of the Predators organization and his 51 years in the NHL.

July 1997: Hired as first Nashville Predators GM

"The opportunity of a lifetime. The chance to follow in my father's footsteps after he built two expansion teams in Philadelphia and Vancouver. Loved the challenge of building a franchise from the ground up, knowing we had the ability to create a culture which would be known as the Predator Way."

Aug. 1997: Hired Barry Trotz as First Predators Head Coach

"Went against conventional wisdom which was to hire an experienced coach to lead an expansion team. But I saw so much I liked in Barry Trotz, despite having no NHL coaching experience, that I just felt he was the right guy for this team, and I remembered that someone gave me a chance and it was my turn to pay it forward."

June 1998: NHL Expansion Draft

"We had 26 picks but were able to add additional assets through planning and preparation. In addition to selecting players such as Greg Johnson, Andrew Brunette, Tomas Vokoun and Scott Walker, we also acquired in deals players like Kimmo Timonen, Sebastien Bordeleau and Ville Peltonen, all who become important parts of our early teams!"

June 1998: NHL Entry Draft

"We slid back to third in the draft lottery so, in an effort to acquire one of the top centers available to build around (Lecavalier & Legwand), we made a draft day deal with San Jose to move up to second and select David Legwand with our first-ever Entry Draft selection. David went on to play nearly 1,000 games with the Predators and ranked first all-time in goals, assists and points when he left us!"

July 1998: Signed Free-Agent Tom Fitzgerald to be First Team Captain

"We had done our homework, and knowing Tom had been part of Florida's successful expansion franchise, signed Tom specifically to be our leader on and off the ice, serving as team captain and serve as an extension of our coaching staff. He helped create the culture and expectation of what it means to be a Nashville Predator, and today, he’s the General Manager of the New Jersey Devils."

Oct. 1998: First Game vs. Florida Panthers

"A night to always remember. A packed arena, excitement, nervousness and just a great atmosphere as we were finally a real team. Despite losing a 1-0 game, we were off and running!"

Oct. 1998: First Win vs. Carolina Hurricanes

"Scored by our current Head Coach Andrew Brunette, and led to our first win and the relief and jubilation that went with it... Interestingly, it never actually went in the net, as the goal came off its moorings."

2001: Poile Receives the Lester Patrick Award

"One of the highest honors to receive in hockey. And even more meaningful because my father also won the award to for us to both we Lester Patrick Award recipients is special.  And it was made more special to be inducted alongside Gary Bettman - the best commissioner ever - and Scotty Bowman - the best coach ever."

June 2003: Nashville Hosts NHL Entry Draft, Selects Suter, Klein & Weber

"A Draft that provided the nucleus of our defensive corps for the next decade with Ryan Suter, Kevin Klein and Shea Weber... And to see and hear our fans demonstrate their passion for the team before and during the day, it elevated the team and market in the eyes of the hockey world!"

2004: Predators Clinch First Stanley Cup Playoffs Berth, Face Detroit in Six-Game Series

"Tomas Vokoun established himself as a top goaltender and then we made trade for Steve Sullivan (hat trick in his first game with team) and we earned playoff spot on last weekend of season. What a celebration in our Colorado hotel room! After losing two games in Detroit, we came back to win two in Nashville and the energy in our arena was unbelievable, especially during our shutout win over the mighty Red Wings!"

Aug. 2005: Predators Sign Paul Kariya

"The single most important signing in franchise history. A superstar chose to come to Nashville. The message it sent to our players, our fans and the rest of the hockey world. Nashville was now a desirable place to play! And what an impact Paul had on our team... Every player was better because of Paul's presence, his work ethic and his performance!"

2006-07: Predators Acquire Peter Forsberg, Finish Regular Season with 110 Points

"With Paul Kariya, Jason Arnott, JP Dumont along with our young players, this was our chance to plant our flag and show we could compete with Detroit by adding a superstar to our lineup! We only had a couple games with our full lineup together after adding Peter but it was a special time as our popularity continued to grow."

Feb. 2011: Predators Acquire Mike Fisher via Trade with Ottawa Senators

"Mike was just what we needed. A complete player who could play in every situation and could go toe-to-toe with top centers. He scored big goals and his character and integrity greatly influenced our young players. And adding Carrie Underwood to our Predators family was a great bonus!"

April 2011: Predators Win First Playoff Series in Franchise History, Defeating Anaheim

"After some tough and heartbreaking playoff series losses, we finally broke through. A tough, six-game series against Anaheim, we tied Game 5 in Anaheim late and won in overtime on Jerred Smithson's overtime goal. Came home for chance to win the series on home ice and will never forget Nick Spaling's goal that proved to be the game winner and then David Legwand's empty net goal that allowed us all to breathe again!"

May 2014: Peter Laviolette Hired as Second Head Coach in Franchise History

"Peter brought a new style that led us to our most successful stretch in franchise history that would include a trip to the Finals in 2017 and the Presidents' Trophy in 2018."

Jan. 2016: Predators Host NHL All-Star Weekend at Bridgestone Arena

"What an event to showcase Nashville! Outdoor concerts, the first 3-on-3 tournament format, Shea Weber defending his hardest shot title and the best players in the world all in Nashville. What a weekend!"

April 2016: Predators Win First Game Seven in Franchise History as Pekka Rinne Stars in Net

"We scored two goals in first period (Colin Wilson & Paul Gaustad) and then watched Pekka Rinne turn in one of the most spectacular performances in franchise history, holding the high powered Ducks to one goal as we prevailed 2-1... And then went on to play another seven-game series against San Jose."

June 2017: Predators Advance to the Stanley Cup Final for First Time in Franchise History

"A magical run... Sweeping Chicago, defeating division rival St. Louis, then overcoming injuries (Ryan Johansen, Kevin Fiala, Mike Fisher) to knock Anaheim out as Colton Sissons scored the hat trick in a deciding Game Six... And then taking Pittsburgh to six games... But it was also the special moments - the fans at the airport when we departed and returned, the Broadway parties and viewing parties throughout Middle Tennessee."

June 2017: Poile Named NHL General Manager of the Year

"Truly an organizational award. Your team has to be good, but a lot of work from a lot of people make it happen - players, coaches, scouts, our training and medical staff, our support staff. It takes a village - you need great players and great staff, and a little luck along the way, and I had that in spades."

March 2018: David Poile Becomes Winningest GM in NHL History with Win No. 1,320

"I thought of all the players - great players, role players - and teams that made this milestone possible! You don't get into the business for career milestones, but when you reach one like this, you realize how fortunate you have been and it is a bit overwhelming."

April 2018: Predators Win Presidents' Trophy with 117 Points

"A remarkable accomplishment to be the best team in the NHL over the 82-game regular season schedule. We seemed to have everything in place with Pekka in goal, a top defense and a productive offense and a team that could win home or away."

Dec. 2018: Poile Inducted into U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame

"Since 1998, I took every opportunity to help improve the state of the game in the United States and to work with USA Hockey… I’ve been fortunate to have helped build many clubs for international competition, with the highlight being a Silver Medal in Vancouver in 2010."

Jan. 2020: Predators Play in First Winter Classic in Front of 83,000 Fans

"Smashville comes to Dallas! We were on the national stage and it was fantastic to see how many Smashville fans joined us for a three-day celebration. Even though the game didn't go our way, we will always remember the scene and atmosphere."

Feb. 2022: Predators Host Stadium Series Game at Nissan Stadium vs. Tampa Bay

"A national stage again for Smashville and the Predators, and what a show it was. Over 70,000 fans and incorporating the best of Nashville into the week."

Oct. 2022: Poile Reaches 3,000 Games as GM, the Most in NHL History

"Where did the time go? It doesn't seem that long ago when I was beginning my GM career in Washington and here we are at game No. 3,000. Grateful to have been able to do what I love for so long and appreciative of my family supporting me throughout our journey."

Feb. 2023: Poile Announces Retirement, Taps Barry Trotz to Become Second GM in Franchise History

"The time seemed right and the choice seemed perfect. I was lucky to sit in this GM chair this long and proud to turn over the reigns to my partner who was so instrumental in establishing our Culture and the Predator Way."

July 2023: Poile Operates Last Draft as Nashville Hosts for the First Time in 20 Years

"I was so focused on doing my job that the moments of the final draft were a blur. But it was incredibly special and meaningful that our first captain, Tom Fitzgerald, stepped in to complete the final trade of my career and allow me to make one final draft pick. A moment that was orchestrated by Barry Trotz in coordination with Tom Fitzgerald, and one that I'll always remember and cherish."

Limited tickets are still available for tomorrow's game against the Calgary Flames. Puck drop is set for 8 p.m. with Poile’s ceremony set to begin at 7:30 p.m.. Click here to purchase tickets.

Additionally, fans attending Wednesday’s game will receive a custom David Poile-themed digital collectible. Click here to learn more about the Predators Digital Collectible Series.