Predators Recall Steve Begin from Milwaukee

Early in the season, the Nashville Predators signed NHL veteran Steve Begin as a depth move to have a versatile player with extensive NHL experience for later in the season when the troops were wearing thin.

That exact situation has presented itself and Begin has been recalled from Milwaukee. It appears that David Legwand's lower body injury will continue to linger for an extended period. Now, Patric Hornqvist has suffered a mystery upper body injury and it appears that he also will be out for a few games.

Begin is the perfect replacement as he can come in and slip into any line as needed and provide veteran leadership, stability, and grit to the young Predator lineup. He will not provide much offense but will help on the penalty kill and defensing top players from other teams.

In other news, Josh Cooper reports that Pekka Rinne will travel to New Jersey with the team this afternoon. It is unclear if Mark Dekanich will be returned to Milwaukee. Josh also reports that Cody Franson will miss Friday and Saturday's games due to the death of his grandmother.

Here is the full release from the Predators...

NASHVILLE PREDATORS RECALL FORWARD STEVE BEGIN

Nashville, Tenn. (December 16, 2010) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has recalled forward Steve Begin from Milwaukee (AHL).

Begin, 32 (6/14/78), signed with Nashville on Oct. 21, and has posted four points (3g-1a) in 21 games for the Admirals this season. The Trois-Rivieres, Que., native has played 486 career NHL games since 1997-98, posting 100 points (52g-48a) and 535 penalty minutes. He spent the 2009-10 season with the Boston Bruins, posting 14 points (5g-9a) and 53 penalty minutes while playing a career-high 77 games.

The 6-0, 192-pound center was a teammate of Predators forward J-P Dumont for three seasons (1996-98) with the QMJHL’s Val d’Or Foreurs, notching 117 points (44g-73a) and 520 penalty minutes in 157 games. The duo, along with Vancouver goalie Roberto Luongo, helped Val d’Or win the 1998 President’s Trophy as QMJHL champions.

The Predators make a quick stop in the Garden State tomorrow night to take on the New Jersey Devils (6 p.m. CT, FOX Sports Tennessee, 102.9 FM The Buzz), but are back in Smashville tomorrow night (7 p.m. CT, 102.9 FM The Buzz), facing off against the Los Angeles Kings. In the spirit of the season, the Nashville Predators and the United States Marine Corps Reserve (USMC) are teaming up to host the second of two Toys for Tots toy drives at Saturday’s game. Attending fans are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys the main entrance where players’ and coaches’ family members will be on-hand to collect donations. At the doors, donors will receive an exclusive discount ticket voucher for a future game.

Tickets are still available for Saturday’s contest and may be purchased at the Bridgestone Arena box office, by calling (615) 770-PUCK (7825) or online via nashvillepredators.com.

More Later...

Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass