In a flurry of roster moves this morning, the Nashville Predators have recalled forward Nick Spaling from the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL, and according to beat writer Joshua Cooper, placed centers Marcel Goc and Matthew Lombardi on injured reserve (though that's unconfirmed by the team). Goc will be out 2-4 weeks with a separated shoulder thanks to this borderline hit from Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom, while Lombardi suffered a concussion against Chicago and will miss at least the next four games. It's becoming an ugly situation, and our own Seth Lake reports that Colin Wilson has already been moved back to center for the time being.
UPDATE: All I have confirmed from the Preds is that Goc is going on IR. Even with Spaling's callup, the team can keep Lombardi as a scratch and still stay at the 23-man limit, so they don't need to put him on IR at this time. - Dirk
After the jump, the team's press release and our Milwaukee correspondent chimes in on Spaling.
Here's Ryan Miller (aka AdmiralsShortShifts) on Spaling's promotion:
Spaling has been playing on the team's best line through the first four games, centering Linus Klasen and Andreas Thuresson. He has consistently been one of the best players on the ice, playing responsibly on both ends and on special teams. He's only got two points so far, but he's been on the ice for half of the teams goals so far this season. It's a well-deserved promotion.
Per the team:
Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has recalled forward Nick Spaling from Milwaukee (AHL).
Spaling, 22 (9/19/88), has posted two points (1g-1a) through four games with the Admirals this season. In his rookie NHL campaign of 2009-10, the Palmerston, Ont., native put up three assists in 28 games for the Predators. He posted a plus or even rating in 26 of those contests and ranked fifth among rookie forwards in average shorthanded ice time (1:43). Nashville's third choice, 58th overall (second round) in the 2007 Entry Draft also dressed for all six of the club's 2010 Stanley Cup Playoff contests.