The Predators have recalled center Juuso Pärssinen from AHL Milwaukee ahead of tomorrow’s Game 3 of their first-round series against the Canucks, per a team announcement.
Pärssinen, 23, began the season on the Nashville roster but was assigned to Milwaukee in late January. He’s remained in the minors since, not appearing in an NHL game since a 3-2 loss to the Coyotes on Jan. 20. Before being sent down, the 2019 seventh-round pick had eight goals and 12 points in 44 games.
The quickly-rising Finn unexpectedly logged top-nine minutes for the Preds much of last season, posting six goals and 25 points in 45 appearances. It was his first full season in North America after two very productive campaigns with TPS in the top-level Finnish Liiga, where he scored the most points by a junior-aged player in 2020-21 and helped TPS advance to the championship series in back-to-back years, although they lost both times.
That showing earned him a deserved opening-night job this year, but his production and overall effectiveness took a step back despite receiving roughly the same amount of ice time (14:20 last year, 14:36 this year). His points per game rate dropped by over half, and he became nearly unusable in the faceoff dot, winning 37.5% of draws after being over 50% in 2022-23. Pärssinen’s possession metrics took a tumble, too, posting a 46.4 CF% at even strength compared to 47.2% last year despite Nashville being a much-improved team at controlling shot attempts.
He responded well to his demotion, though, racking up seven goals and 25 points in 39 games and a +12 rating in Milwaukee to end the season. including five points in his final three games. With Milwaukee finishing first in the Central Division and earning a First Round bye, their Calder Cup Playoff schedule won’t start until next week, so they’re not taking Pärssinen out of important action for their AHL club with today’s recall. He’ll be available for tomorrow’s Game 3 after Nashville tied the series with a Game 2 win Tuesday, but it’s unclear if he’ll draw into the lineup.