"It's a huge honor to be here, and it's pretty cool, pretty special," Josi said. "I have so many cool memories from past All-Star Games. The first one in Nashville [in 2016] was really special, and even last year [in San Jose]. It's pretty cool to be here, and I'm really excited."
Josi was one of four Predators in attendance for the festivities during the 2016 installment in Tennessee, and he had goaltender Pekka Rinne alongside last year in the Bay Area. The 2020 version marks the first time Josi has been the lone Nashville representative at the League's showcase, and with that comes great pride for his team and his city.
"It's a huge honor to represent Nashville," Josi said. "Nashville is such a first-class organization, and there's so much respect around the League for the Predators and for the organization. I'm really happy to represent Nashville."
There's perhaps no one better suited to do so either. Well-spoken, gracious, ridiculously skilled and dashingly handsome to boot, Josi embodies what it truly means to be an NHL All-Star.
Everyone can see it. Just ask two more of the best in the game.
"When I first met him as a young kid coming in, he was a fresh face and had so much to learn, but even in my time there he matured so much as a person, and obviously as a player as well," Weber said. "His game really evolved. I still keep in touch with him, and I enjoy talking with him any chance I get."
"Roman is a special player," Jones said. "He's probably twice the player he was when I was there, his game has grown that much… He's a great guy off the ice too. I really enjoyed knowing him as a person, and he was an even better teammate. I'm happy for him."