Predators Recall Nick Spalling

As Admirals Short Shifts reported last night, Nick Spalling has been recalled by the Nashville Predators. Spalling has a goal and six assists for the Milwaukee Admirals this season and was impressive during the Predators Preseason camp.

Short Shifts had been predicting that Andreas Thuresson would be the call-up to replace Jordin Tootoo on the Preds roster but it appears that David Poile is giving a variety of prospects the opportunity to get their feet wet at the NHL level.

I'm sure the NHL waiver rules play heavily into their choice of Spalling as well. After getting stung by losing Rich Peverly to Atlanta last season, the Predators are being more cautious this season.

Here is the full text of the release from the Nashville Predators...

NASHVILLE PREDATORS RECALL FORWARD NICK SPALING FROM MILWAUKEE

Nashville, Tenn. (December 15, 2009) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has recalled forward Nick Spaling from Milwaukee (AHL).

Spaling, 21 (9/19/88), has seven points (1g-6a) in 27 games for the Admirals this season, including points (1g-2a) in his last three outings (all wins), and in four of his last five (1g-3a). In his second professional season, this is the first career recall for the 6-1, 196-pound forward. Nashville’s third choice, 58th overall (second round) in the 2007 Entry Draft, Spaling tied for fourth on the Admirals in points (12g-23a-35pts) and tied for fifth in assists in 2008-09.

The Predators play their final home game before heading out on a three-game Western Canada road swing tonight when they host the Tampa Bay Lightning for the first and only time this season (7 p.m.). Nashville returns to the Sommet Center the day after Christmas to host Chicago for the third and final time in 2009-10 – the club’s final home game of the calendar year. Tickets to these games, and all other regular season contests, are now on sale and can be purchased by logging onto nashvillepredators.com. Tickets are also available by calling (615) 770-PUCK and at all Ticketmaster locations.

More Later...

Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass