Nashville Predators to call up Nick Spaling from AHL

by Dirk Hoag on Dec 14, 2009 11:13 PM EST

Thanks to the gang at Admirals Short Shifts for the following tip this evening:

Nick Spaling impressed during training camp as someone who could fill a variety of roles up front, but got off to a slow start offensively for Milwaukee, with just 1 goal and 6 assists through 27 games. This is an interesting call, as Andreas Thuresson was considered by most observers to be the most likely candidate.

A 2nd-round pick in the 2007 draft (57th overall), Spaling has yet to play in an NHL game.

Nick Spaling

#57 / Left Wing / Nashville Predators

Height: 6-1

Weight: 185

Born: Sep 19, 1988

UPDATE: This has now been confirmed by the Preds, text of the press release follows after the jump...

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, 58^th 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.

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Comments

Surprising...

I was sure Thuresson would get the call…

Time to see what Nick can do at the NHL level. Congrats Nick!

Predators Hockey: Live it, Love it...

by Seth Lake on Dec 14, 2009 11:17 PM EST reply actions

Huh. Interesting.

Not the call-up I expected at all. Maybe they are looking to give him a little motivation. Or maybe since they have tried calling up the guys who have been scoring in AHL, and it hasn’t worked, (disappearing acts, minus Jones this time) maybe they figured this was worth a shot. Who knows.

by vipe29 on Dec 14, 2009 11:21 PM EST reply actions

Never seen Nick play, is it possible he can agitate a bit like Toots more than Thuresson? Don’t know, so thought I’d ask.

by Chris Burton on Dec 14, 2009 11:23 PM EST reply actions

Reports from Milwaukee have been...

That Spaling has been working his tail off this season, doing all the little things, putting in the necessary effort, and simply not getting the credit on the scoresheet for his hard work. Now that he has that monkey off his back, maybe the Preds feel it is time to get him a shot at the NHL level while his confidence level is high?

I think he can compete at the NHL level, but I’m simply not convinced yet that he can do so at consistent level at this point in his career to remain up long-term…

Predators Hockey: Live it, Love it...

by Seth Lake on Dec 15, 2009 1:23 AM EST reply actions

Considering the position (3rd or 4th line winger), I think it’s probably right to call up whichever kid is hot, let him play for a couple weeks until he levels off, then call up the next one.

More fun than a stick to the face!
On the Forecheck is SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators.

by Dirk Hoag on Dec 15, 2009 7:44 AM EST up reply actions