As hinted at last night, this comes from the Nashville Predators:

Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has recalled defenseman Cody Franson from Milwaukee (AHL).

Franson, 22 (8/8/87), ranks seventh among rookie defensemen in points, with seven (2g-5a) in 24 games since making his NHL debut on Oct. 17 at Washington. He also leads the Predators, and is tied for fourth among rookie defensemen in plus/minus (+5). Nashville's third choice, 79th overall (third round), in the 2005 Entry Draft, Franson recorded his first career NHL point/assist on Oct. 21 at Boston and scored his first NHL goal the following night in a 6-5 overtime victory at Ottawa. Franson's recall to Nashville is his second of the season. The Sicamous, B.C., native started the 2009-10 season with the Admirals before being recalled on Oct. 16. He skated in 24 of Nashville's next 26 games before being reassigned to Milwaukee on Dec. 13. Franson has five points (1g-4a) in five contests with the Admirals this season.

With the team in Western Canada for the next three games it makes sense to carry 7 defensemen just in case of injuries that may crop up. For Franson, I'm sure a few extra days of NHL-level salary makes for a nice Christmas bonus, too.

Cody Franson

#32 / Defenseman / Nashville Predators

Height: 6-5

Weight: 214

Born: Aug 08, 1987