The Nashville Predators have always been looked at as a small-market team in the NHL. For years, Predators fans have been wondering when their team would start to get the respect and exposure nationally that was deserved. Things slowly started to change for the team in 2016-2017. First, the Predators acquired PK Subban, a bonafide NHL superstar. Then came the improbable Stanley Cup run later that same season. Suddenly, there were millions of more eyes on this small-market team learning just how good the Predators are.
Following the 2016-2017 season, it was announced by NBC Sports that the Predators would be getting seven nationally televised games for the 2017-18 season; a record at the time for the team.