Roman Josi Gets Ominous-Sounding Diagnosis, Still Expects To Play in 2025-26

Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi announced that he developed an autonomic nervous system disorder while recovering from concussion.

Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi suffered a season-ending concussion this past season in February. Long into his recovery, he's now revealed, he continued to experience headaches, and was subsequently diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.

POTS, as it's referred to, is a blood flow disorder of the autonomic nervous system that is characterized by an excessively fast heart rate and symptoms of lightheadedness upon standing.

Josi says, however, that he's received treatment and expects to be able to play in the 2025-26 season.

Over the last eight weeks, I have undergone intensive therapy, which also included taking beta blockers. I’ve been feeling much better since then. I’ve regained the belief that I’ll be 100 percent fit again and can fully attack with Nashville and the Swiss national team next winter.

The 35-year-old has spent his entire 14-year career in Nashville and is a former Norris Trophy winner and three-time All-Star, one of the best blueliners in the game for over a decade. After an 85-point season and a second-place finish in balloting for the Norris in 2023-24, Josi had a rough time this past year, even aside from the concussion issues. He had just 38 points in 53 games.

His health issues began when he had his head crushed into the glass by the Florida Panthers' Sam Bennett on Feb. 25th.

Here's the play where Roman Josi was hit from behind by Sam Bennett. Josi stayed in the game for the power play and hasn't left the bench. pic.twitter.com/lYXhBkvrN6
— Alex Daugherty (@AlexDaugherty1) February 26, 2025

With three years remaining at a $9.06 million cap hit, the Preds need their captain to be healthy and back on his game next season if they're to rebound from a stunningly disappointing 2024-25 campaign.