In an appearance on 102.5 The Game (audio link), Predators GM Barry Trotz indicated that he has been getting calls about prospect center David Edstrom. One of the key pieces coming to Nashville in the Yaroslav Askarov trade, Edstrom is coming off a strong showing for Sweden at the World Juniors that saw him pick up six points in seven games while he has 13 points in 22 games with SHL Frolunda as well. One of their better prospects, it’d be difficult to see them flipping Edstrom so soon unless the Preds drastically turn their fortunes around in the coming weeks to become buyers at the trade deadline.
Elsewhere around the hockey world:
- The Wild announced (Twitter link) that they have placed winger Jakub Lauko on LTIR retroactive to December 14th. The move comes just one day after they exited LTIR with the activation of Jacob Middleton. PuckPedia notes (Twitter link) that today’s recall of David Jiricek allowed them to get his bonuses into their LTIR pool which could be useful if Lauko’s stint on LTIR is a lengthy one. The bonuses would stay in their pool even if Jiricek is subsequently reassigned to the minors again. Lauko has four points and 48 hits in 24 games while averaging ten minutes a night of playing time.
- With the trade deadlines fast approaching in the CHL, there have been some notable moves made in recent days. The latest of those saw WHL Spokane acquire Capitals prospect Andrew Cristall, per a team release in exchange for a prospect and five draft picks including a pair of first-round selections. The 19-year-old was rated by some as a first-round pick in 2023 although he ultimately slipped to 40th overall. After putting up an impressive 111 points last season, Cristall is on pace to beat that this year with 26 goals and 34 assists in just 28 outings. Already signed to his entry-level deal, Cristall will be playing professionally next season.
- Maple Leafs prospect Sam McCue is on the move in the OHL as Flint announced that they’ve acquired the winger from Owen Sound. The 19-year-old was a seventh-round pick last year, going 216th overall in his second year of eligibility and will be eligible to play in the minors next season. McCue has 18 goals and 13 assists in 35 games so far this season.
So Trotz was lamenting in that interview that the team has some injuries now, apparently forgetting that they had no injuries over the first 20 games or so and were losing then as well. But he wants to wait until the end of the month to see where the team is at (hint, it’s over, Barry and you need a new head coach).