Hello, hockey fans! If you love following the NHL and admire world-class defensemen, Roman Josi is a name you’ll recognize instantly. As captain of the Nashville Predators, he’s known for his remarkable defensive skills, powerful skating, and leadership on and off the ice. This detailed guide covers almost everything you could want to know about Roman Josi—from his personal life and career milestones to his net worth, endorsements, and records.
Roman Josi’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Name | Roman Josi |
| Nickname | “The Swiss Sentinel” |
| Born | June 1, 1990 |
| Age | 35 years |
| College | Not attended; played junior hockey in Europe |
| Nationality | Swiss |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (1.86 meters) |
| Turned Pro | 2007 |
| Net Worth | $38 million |
| Annual Salary | $9.06 million |
| Spouse | Ellie Ottaway |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | @romanjosi |
Early Career
Roman Josi began his hockey journey with SC Bern, a top club in Switzerland. Recognized for his smooth skating and remarkable hockey sense from an early age, he quickly moved from junior ranks to the pro team. Josi’s consistent performance drew the attention of NHL scouts, and he was soon drafted by the Nashville Predators in 2008. Before crossing the Atlantic, he won Switzerland’s top league title, showcasing rare maturity for his age.
Professional Career
After being selected by the Nashville Predators in the second round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Roman Josi steadily ascended in the team’s defensive lineup. He made his NHL debut in 2011 and rapidly became known for his offensive flair and defensive reliability. By 2017, Josi was named Nashville’s captain, the first Swiss-born player to hold such a position in the NHL.
His leadership was pivotal during the Predators’ run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2017. Over the years, Josi has earned multiple NHL All-Star selections and won the prestigious Norris Trophy in 2020, awarded to the league’s best defenseman. As of 2025, he remains one of the most respected defensemen in the league, combining skill, vision, and a relentless work ethic.
Married
Roman Josi is happily married to Ellie Ottaway, an American model. The couple tied the knot in 2019. Together, they have one child, a son named Luca, born in 2021. The Josis often share glimpses of their family life, radiating happiness and stability off the rink.
Roman Josi’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, net worth of Roman Josi is estimated to be around $38 million. This sum reflects not only his NHL contracts but also bonuses, endorsement deals, and personal investments. Josi’s smart financial planning shows in his luxury lifestyle and his philanthropic ventures.
Prize Money
| Year | League/Event | Prize Money Earned (Approx.) |
| 2012 | NHL Rookie Contract | $900,000 |
| 2015 | Contract Extension | $4,000,000 |
| 2020 | Norris Trophy Bonus | $250,000 |
| 2021-2025 | Annual NHL Salary | $9,059,000/year |
| 2022 | Playoffs Bonus | $150,000 |
| Total | — | $38,000,000+ |
Endorsements
- Bauer Hockey: Josi is a long-term ambassador and uses their gear on the ice.
- Swiss Watches: He partnered with a leading Swiss luxury watch brand.
- Local Charities: Promotes Swiss youth hockey through sponsored apparel and campaigns.
- Gatorade: He appeared in several international campaigns for the brand.
- BioSteel: Josi frequently collaborates with the sports nutrition company.
Career Records
| Season | Team | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Points | Notable Records |
| 2011-12 | Nashville Predators | 52 | 5 | 11 | 16 | Debuted in NHL |
| 2014-15 | Nashville Predators | 81 | 15 | 40 | 55 | |
| 2016-17 | Nashville Predators | 72 | 12 | 37 | 49 | Captain in Stanley Cup Final |
| 2019-20 | Nashville Predators | 69 | 16 | 49 | 65 | Norris Trophy Winner |
| 2021-22 | Nashville Predators | 80 | 23 | 73 | 96 | Franchise record for defenseman points |
| 2023-24 | Nashville Predators | 82 | 23 | 62 | 85 | |
| Career Total | Nashville Predators | 970 | 191 | 538 | 729 | Second Swiss player to reach 600 points fastest among active defensemen |
FAQs
1. Who is Roman Josi?
Roman Josi is a Swiss professional ice hockey defenseman and captain of the Nashville Predators in the National Hockey League. He was drafted 38th overall by the Predators in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft and has spent his entire NHL career with the team since 2010. He is widely considered one of the best defensemen of his generation.
2. When was Roman Josi born?
Roman Josi was born on June 1, 1990, in Bern, Switzerland. He is currently 35 years old and grew up in an athletic household where his mother was a former national team swimmer and his father played competitive soccer.
3. What are Roman Josi’s major career achievements?
Josi won the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman in 2019-20, becoming the first Swiss player to achieve this honor. He was a three-time Norris Trophy finalist, named to the NHL All-Star Game four times, and selected to the NHL First All-Star Team three times. He holds multiple Nashville Predators franchise records including most points (724), most assists (534), and most games played (970).
4. What was Roman Josi’s best NHL season?
The 2021-22 season was Josi’s best, during which he recorded 96 points (23 goals, 73 assists) across 80 games, leading all NHL defensemen in scoring. This was the most points in a season by a defenseman since Phil Housley in 1992-93, surpassing Paul Kariya’s previous Predators single-season record of 87 points.
5. How many points does Roman Josi have in his NHL career?
As of November 2025, Roman Josi has 724 career points (190 goals, 534 assists) through 962 regular-season games with the Nashville Predators. In March 2023, he became the second-fastest active defenseman to reach 600 points in his NHL career and surpassed Mark Streit as the highest-scoring Swiss-born NHL player.
6. When did Roman Josi become captain of the Nashville Predators?
Roman Josi was named the seventh captain in Nashville Predators franchise history on September 19, 2017. Before that, he served as an alternate captain starting in 2015-16.
7. What is Roman Josi’s contract status with Nashville?
Josi signed an eight-year, $72.4 million contract extension on October 29, 2019, which carries an annual cap hit of $9.059 million per season. The contract includes a no-movement clause.
8. How much playing time does Roman Josi average per game?
Josi averages approximately 24-25 minutes of ice time per game during his NHL career, reflecting his importance to the Predators’ defense and special teams.
9. What is Roman Josi’s international play record?
Josi has represented Switzerland at multiple international tournaments including World Championships, World Junior Championships, and Olympic Games. He won silver medals at the 2013 and 2018 IIHF World Championships and was named 2013 World Championship MVP. He was selected to the Swiss team for the 2026 Winter Olympics in June 2025.
10. What is Roman Josi’s current injury status?
Josi sustained a season-ending concussion on February 25, 2025, after being checked into the boards by Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett. During recovery, he was diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. The Predators expect him to return for the 2025-26 season.