Linus Klasen recalled by Nashville Predators

by Dirk Hoag on Oct 29, 2010 12:46 PM EDT in Nashville Predators News

Confirming the Swedish report we saw early this morning, Swedish winger Linus Klasen has been recalled by the Nashville Predators and is set to make his NHL debut tomorrow night at Detroit. Just a few days ago, in light of his prolific scoring for the Admirals, we asked how soon he might get called up to the Preds, and 44% figured it would take another 20 games or so.

The question now becomes, can Klasen deliver his eye-popping moves at the NHL level? That's a big step up from the Swedish Elite League and the AHL, but given the need for offense (the Preds sit 29th in Goals per Game right now), it makes sense to try something. Martin Erat, whether due to continuing back trouble or not, has yet to score, and the Predators have tallied just 7 goals in their last 5 games.

The team's press release follows after the jump...

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

Klasen, 24 (2/19/86), leads the American League in goals (7) and ranks among the league leaders in points (10) through seven games for the Admirals. The 5-8, 178-pound winger was named Reebok/AHL Player of the Week on Monday in just his second full week as a North American pro after amassing six points (3g-3a) in three games. Signed as a free agent on April 20, 2010, the Stockholm, Sweden native spent the last three seasons with Sodertalje of the Swedish Elitserien, tying for fifth in points (19g-32a-51pts) a season ago.

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Any bets on what line he ends up on?

by ExcellenceThroughGuesswork on Oct 29, 2010 12:49 PM EDT reply actions

Wherever Erat was going to play. Something tells me there will be no Marty Party tomorrow night in Detroit.

by Chris Burton on Oct 29, 2010 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions

as long as Kronwall doesn’t light him up too bad, should be fun. Like a Beagle loose in the nursing home.

by ExcellenceThroughGuesswork on Oct 29, 2010 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs

LOL

That’s a fantastic line, I’m rec’ing it and then stealing it.

But you’re right. I think the first game or two could be electric because no one has seen his bag of tricks before. You’re right, though, he needs to keep his head up. He got crushed in the rookie game, can’t imagine what Kronwall or whoever would do to him.

by Chris Burton on Oct 29, 2010 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Detroit is so old, Lidstrom gave Buddy Oakes his first car as a hand me down.

(Happy Birthday Buddy)

by ExcellenceThroughGuesswork on Oct 29, 2010 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Despite questions about his fitness, I get the impression he’s a determined, special player. He’s too short, he wasn’t drafted and was welcomed to North America with a concussion on a cheap headshot in the preseason. Despite this, he’s been dominating the AHL and is yet to fail at any level. I say he’s earned his shot and wouldn’t be shocked if his success continues in the NHL.

by Lil cutie on Oct 29, 2010 1:19 PM EDT reply actions

"Linus and Lucy" needs to be played every time he scores.

And have a free blanket giveaway one night.

Christie kicks it high and short...Gonna be fielded by Lorenzo Neal at the 25...He dishes it back to Wycheck...He throws it across the field to Dyson...

www.manningface.com

by Michaeltastic on Oct 29, 2010 3:34 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs

That deserves a rec...

Klasen’s a good prospect, and a good pickup for you guys. Pesonally, I’m glad that Peoria won’t have to worry about him for a while.

"If we do not prepare for ourselves the role of the hammer, there will be nothing left but that of the anvil."

-- Otto von Bismarck, 1851

http://futurenotes.blogspot.com

by Tomorrows Blues on Oct 29, 2010 8:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Rec that, too

but it’s Linus as in “Leen-us.” Maybe a modification of “Lean on Me?”

by Hockey Hillbilly on Oct 29, 2010 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions

To tell the honest truth, I’m very disappointed with Erat’s performance so far. He’s a highly paid winger who, for some reason, isn’t performing. 12 Shots on Goal and 3 assists in 6 games = not very productive, not to mention the couple of stupid penalties he’s drawn. I hope he can turn it around. But I am really looking forward to seeing what Linus can do – hopefully, light that lamp !

by XVIII on Oct 29, 2010 3:44 PM EDT reply actions

I know...

I’m excited about this guy. Hopefully takes Erat’s place for a while. And if he can score consistently as he has in Milwaukee, he just might stay up.

by DonBorvio on Oct 29, 2010 3:51 PM EDT reply actions

Hey, Patrick Kane is 5’10" and 178 – he’s not the biggest guy out there, and we know what he can do – Linus is only 2 inches shorter, but if he’s got the skills to put pucks in the net, I don’t care if he’s 5 foot 3.

by XVIII on Oct 29, 2010 4:18 PM EDT reply actions

Radulov-esque call up; timing couldn't have been better

Well, I guess I was right about the Radulov-esque call-up. Radulov played 11 games in the AHL scoring 18 points. Klasen played 7 with 10 points. Pretty similar. I’m not saying he will stay in Nashville like Radu did but hopefully he can find some success and hang around. If he replaces Erat on the line he was on we have a potential for a high scoring line with Dumont/Wilson/Klasen. We need scoring help right now (3 of the last 5 games we have scored 1 goal or less). Hopefully this will spark a flame.

by preds4ever on Oct 29, 2010 4:28 PM EDT reply actions

Maybe the best high end skill we have had in a prospect

since Rads. Looks to be more dipsy doodle than Colin Wilson, highly skilled himself.

He should be a great, gifted, purely offensive treat on the ice….
which is different than Erat, who recently has been just purely offensive.

by DontfeedtheBelak on Oct 29, 2010 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh sweet Jesus...

…let this guy be everything we’re hoping.

EASports' NHL 11 doesn't suck; in fact, it's really damn good! Wait, what!?
Go Predators!!!

by Poiju on Oct 29, 2010 4:36 PM EDT reply actions

AMEN BROTHER!

by preds4ever on Oct 29, 2010 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions

My guess on lineup tomorrow would be...

Sullivan – O’Reilly – Hornqvist
Smithson – Legwand – Ward
Dumont – Wilson – Tootoo/Erat (one will sit)
Klasen – Spaling – Kostitsyn

Linus was scheduled to join the team this afternoon in Detroit. Will have only one morning skate with team. As a result, I think he’ll get limited minutes to start tomorrow and they’ll try to ease him in.

Spaling was centering Klasen and Thuresson prior to his recall, so there is familiarity there and SK74 adds a skilled two-way player to the mix in the mold of a more talented Thuresson.

I think it’ll work…

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by Seth Lake on Oct 29, 2010 8:48 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Tootoo/Erat

Sit ’em both.

by shoot the puck on Oct 30, 2010 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions

…and play Belak?!

by Chris Burton on Oct 30, 2010 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions

Why not? He could keep Kronwall off the new kid. I’ve been to every home game the past two years and watched about as many road games on tv. I have never seen what the negativity regarding Belak is all about. You know what you are going to get with him; the expectations for Erat and Tootoo are totally unrealistic.

by shoot the puck on Oct 30, 2010 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions