The Milwaukee Admirals defense looks set to be getting bodies back soon. Jimmy Oligny has been cleared for game action and was actually a healthy scratch last game with the team electing it best to give him this current week off to prepare for his return back Friday night against the Grand Rapids Griffins. Johan Alm has also returned to skating and could be coming back soon enough, as well.

The result of these updates, combined with a potential Ian White and Anthony Bitetto return to the Admirals at some point, are probably what signaled the moves that followed Saturday night’s game. Jared Nightingale was released from his PTO contract with the Admirals and Jaynen Rissling was reassigned to the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL.

Nightingale made the Admirals his fourth AHL pit stop of the 2014-15 season. He had previously played with the Hartford Wolf Pack, Norfolk Admirals, and Grand Rapids Griffins in addition to some time with the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL. In his time with the Admirals he played in 6 games, didn’t score a point of offense, had a plus/minus rating of -2, and 4 penalty minutes.

Rissling paired with the veteran Nightingale during his first ever taste of the AHL. Rissling had spent his entire 2014-15 campaign with the Cyclones until the injury spell in the organizations up top got him the look up here in Milwaukee. He played in 5 games, didn’t score, also had a -2 rating, and -also- had 4 penalty minutes.

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The roster move train keeps on rolling. The Nashville Predators have recalled Anthony Bitetto ahead of their game tonight against the San Jose Sharks. It’s his third call up of the season.

When I spoke to Bitetto after Sunday’s game he was battling flu-like symptoms and was a game-time decision. He played, and looked his usual self on the ice. His work load in the NHL to date has seen him log 4 games with a plus/minus rating of -1 with 7 penalty minutes. His flight into Nashville made it despite the unusually Wisconsin-like weather going on down there at the moment. He will play in place of Anton Volchenkov tonight.

The lack of Bitetto for Milwaukee tonight should simply mean rotating in Jaynen Rissling again. I would expect the exact same line pairings on defense with his inclusion. That would mean seeing Rissling pair with Jared Nightingale once again. I was pleasantly surprised by how both gelled so quickly into the Admirals system.

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Ahead of tonight’s clash against the Lake Erie Monsters the Milwaukee Admirals have made a roster move. Joe Pendenza has been recalled from the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL.

This season with the Admirals Pendenza has played 27 games with a stat-line of 10 points (6 goals, 4 assists), plus/minus rating of +11, and 2 penalty minutes. In his time playing with Cincinnati in the ECHL he has played 13 games, scored 7 points (3 goals, 4 assists), has an even plus/minus rating, and 14 penalty minutes.

Still wondering about what’s up with Viktor Stålberg? As of right now he remains with the Nashville Predators. I’m starting to think the waiver process on him actually was kick back on his paper transaction when Taylor Aronson was called up and Stålberg was sent down before swapping the two in less than a day. At least that’s where my head is at before we all start putting his face on milk cartons.

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Yesterday the Nashville Predators placed Viktor Stålberg on waivers. The twenty-four hour waiver process has come and gone. And, according to Elliotte Friedman, for the second time this season Stålberg has cleared waivers. He should be assigned to the Milwaukee Admirals for his next tour of duty and could play as early as tomorrow night.

Officially it would be his sixth reassignment to the Admirals this season. Remember the last one? I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t because it was a rather sneaky one. With numbers tight up top, and Shea Weber potentially out with illness, the Predators called up Taylor Aronson and sent down Stålberg. Knowing that it was a one night deal for Aronson meant Stålberg never even left Nashville. It was purely a paper transaction on the part of the Predators to maintain their roster numbers. With bodies getting healthy and trades getting done this move should surprise no one.

This season with the Admirals Stålberg has scored 12 points (7 goals, 5 assists), has a plus/minus rating of +3, and 10 penalty minutes in 14 games. For the Predators this season he has only managed to get into 11 games and has 4 assists and 10 penalty minutes.

The return of Stålberg would actually signal yet another sad sight. With him joining the Admirals it should push Zach Budish out of the lineup yet again. I say it’s sad only because the Admirals are a staggering 18-0-1-1 when Budish plays. That’s 38 points out of a possible 40 points in 20 games. It’s the single most entertaining stat that has happened all season and it may go on the back burner once again.

Is Stålberg destined to be the go-to forward call up choice for the Predators from this point on? Does anyone know the amount of frequent flyer miles this guy has put up this season?

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The Nashville Predators have just completed a big trade this morning. They’ve acquired Cody Franson and Mike Santorelli from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Olli Jokinen, Brendan Leipsic, and the Predators 2015 first round draft pick.

Press Release via Nashville Predators:

Nashville, Tenn. (February 15, 2015) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced Sunday that the team has acquired defenseman Cody Franson and forward Mike Santorelli from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Nashville’s first-round selection in the 2015 Draft, and forwards Brendan Leipsic and Olli Jokinen.

“In preparation for the 2015 playoff run, our goal was to add a veteran defenseman who could play in all situations and a proven forward who could move up and down lineup based on the situation,” Poile said. “We were fortunate to do this in the same transaction with players who are in the prime of their careers more than two weeks before the Trade Deadline in order to give them more time to contribute and gel with their teammates.

“Both Cody and Mike were drafted, developed and began their NHL careers here. They know our organization and still have former teammates and friends on the roster. We are fully confident that they will seamlessly fit into our team.”

Franson, 27 (8/8/87), was selected by the Predators 78th overall (third round) in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft and was a member of the 2010-11 Nashville club along with current Preds Shea Weber, Colin Wilson, Mike Fisher and Pekka Rinne, that won the first playoff series in franchise history. Hailing from the same hometown as Weber – Sicamous, British Columbia – Franson has amassed 32 points (6g-26a) in 55 games this season for the Maple Leafs, and 165 points (34g-131a) in 377 career NHL games. From 2007-09, he played with Nashville’s primary developmental affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals, and from 2009-11, he posted 50 points (14g-36a) in 141 regular-season games and seven points (1g-6a) in 16 Stanley Cup Playoff games with the Predators.

“Cody brings size, offensive ability and the capacity to play in all situations to our lineup,” Poile said. “He is the perfect component to round out our defensive corps and give us eight proven NHL defensemen.”

Santorelli, 29 (12/14/85), was selected 178th overall (sixth round) in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, 80 picks and two rounds before the Predators selected Rinne. The 6-0, 190-pound forward posted a 20-goal, 41-point season with the Florida Panthers in 2010-11, and has 29 points (11g-18a) and a +7 rating in 57 games for Toronto in 2014-15. In 314 career NHL games, the Vancouver native has 116 points (54g-62a). Santorelli posted three points (2g-1a) in 32 games with the Predators from 2008-10, in addition to amassing 74 goals and 171 points in 207 AHL games with the Milwaukee Admirals from 2007-10.

“Mike is a versatile player that can move up and down the lineup based on the situation,” Poile said. “He has fantastic speed, is excellent in the face-off circle, and can play all three forward positions if called upon. He is an excellent complement to our existing group of forwards.”

Both names acquired are former Admirals and Predators. Santorelli was drafted in 2004 by the Predators and was in the system from 2007-10. Franson was selected in the 2005 NHL Draft and was in the organization until the 2011-12 season when he was traded to the Maple Leafs.

As for what this move does for the Admirals. It doesn’t help that’s for sure. Leipsic was second on the team in scoring this season at the time of this trade with 35 points (7 goals, 28 assists). Since the turn of the calendar to 2015 he has produced 13 points (3 goals, 10 assists) in 16 games. He was also added to the 2015 AHL All Star Classic where he became the first Admiral in the AHL era of the team to score a hat trick in that contest.

I suspect if the Predators are really in “go for it” mode there is a chance that we could still see some more of this in Milwaukee. While the defense is an area that is dinged up at the moment it is the forward depth that is plentiful right now in the organization. Should the right player still be out there for Nashville other moves could be in the cards.

Slight good news in that defensive area I was just mentioning. Anthony Bitetto has been reassigned to the Admirals ahead of today’s game. Everyone’s favorite New Yorker has now logged 4 games in the NHL this season where he hasn’t scored a point of offense but is up with a win in the fighting department. Bringing him back to the blue line is a welcome boost. The Predators also have placed Viktor Stålberg on waivers again. He could be an Admiral come Tuesday’s game.

Thoughts on this trade by the Nashville Predators? Will there be more Admirals talents snatched up before the NHL Trade Deadline?

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Well this move comes as a surprise. The Nashville Predators have called up Taylor Aronson for his first ever NHL call up and reassigned Viktor Stålberg to the Milwaukee Admirals.

Press Release via Nashville Predators:

Nashville, Tenn. (February 12, 2015) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced Thursday that the team has recalled defenseman Taylor Aronson (TAY-luhr AIHR-uhn-suhn) from Milwaukee (AHL) and reassigned forward Viktor Stalberg to the Admirals. This is Aronson’s first career recall and he will wear No. 50 with the Predators.

Aronson, 23 (12/30/91), leads Milwaukee defensemen, and is tied for 10th among all AHL blueliners, in points (3g-23a-26pts) while appearing in 45 of the team’s 48 games in 2014-15. A native of Placentia, Calif., the 6-1, 196-pounder is also tied for second among AHL defensemen in assists and power-play assists (12).

Nashville’s second choice, 78th overall (third round), in the 2010 Entry Draft, becomes the fourth member of the draft class to spend time with the team, and the third Portland Winterhawk on the active roster, joining Seth Jones and Paul Gaustad.

This is quite the feel good story. Aronson was in the ECHL playing for the Cincinnati Cyclones all of last season before earning his spot with the Admirals and really exceeding all expectations. He leads Admiral defensemen in scoring with 26 points (3 goals, 23 assists) in 45 games to go along with a plus/minus rating of +5 and 12 penalty minutes.

As for Stålberg, this is now his fifth stint with the Admirals this season. He started with a conditioning assignment and has since logged more than his share of frequent flyer miles between the NHL and AHL.

Thoughts on the Aronson call up? Where does this leave the Admirals now ahead of this weekend?

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The Nashville Predators have announced that Anthony Bitetto and Viktor Stålberg have both been called up to the NHL from the Milwaukee Admirals. As far as the current injury bug within the system goes – this seemed like the most appropriate move to be made. Both have had time spent up top this season and it is a quick and seamless transition for both.

Press Release via Nashville Predators:

Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced Tuesday that the team has recalled defenseman Anthony Bitetto and forward Viktor Stalberg from Milwaukee (AHL).

Bitetto, 24 (7/15/90), made his NHL debut on Jan. 17 at Detroit, logging 11:01, before being reassigned to Milwaukee the following day. The Island Park, New York, native has amassed 25 points (2g-23a) in 46 games for the Admirals this season; his assist total ranks third among AHL blueliners, while his point total is good for 12th. A season ago, his first full campaign at the AHL level, the 6-foot, 215-pounder tied for sixth among AHL defensemen in goals (11), and for ninth in power-play goals (6).

Stalberg, 28 (1/17/86), has three assists in 10 games for the Predators this season, and 125 points (60g-65a) in 323 career NHL games with Nashville, Chicago and Toronto. In 14 games with Milwaukee, the Gothenberg, Sweden, native has 12 points (7g-5a), including a hat trick on Saturday at Rockford.

Both have already joined the team and participated in practice ahead of tonight’s home contest against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Bitetto was paired with former-Admiral Victor Bartley while Stålberg joined Olli Jokinen as a utility player without a set line.

With the Admirals having a recent injury to Joe Piskula, they called up Jaynen Rissling yesterday from the Cincinnati Cyclones and today added veteran defenseman Jared Nightingale on a PTO contract from the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL. Stålberg up? Wouldn’t be surprised to see Joe Pendenza heading up to Milwaukee to keep numbers even with Pontus Åberg taking Stålberg’s place on the current forward lines.

Thoughts on all the roster moves? Correct choices for NHL call ups by the Nashville Predators? Is another defenseman needed in Milwaukee? Is another forward call up from Cincinnati needed?

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The Milwaukee Admirals have addressed their lack of numbers in defense by adding Jared Nightingale on a PTO contract. This news comes a day after the team recalled Jaynen Rissling from the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL.

Nightingale is having quite the 2014-15 season right now. His main home has been with the Toledo Walleye in the ECHL but he has been the hired gun for three previous AHL teams on loan deals: Hartford Wolf Pack, Norfolk Admirals, and Grand Rapids Griffins. By joining Milwaukee today on loan he is now up to a solid fourth AHL team this season.

He is no stranger to our Midwest Division. He played for the Chicago Wolves briefly in 2007-08, was the team captain of the Rockford IceHogs last season, and had a single game cameo with the Griffins this season.

In total, his 2014-15 season carries a statline of 40 games played, 5 points (1 goal, 4 assists), a plus/minus rating of +1, and 51 penalty minutes. In his career he has played a total of 414 games in the AHL which includes 51 points (14 goals, 37 assists) and 888 penalty minutes.

Thoughts on this loan deal? Smart veteran choice for a temporary solution? Should the Admirals still look to add more in the off-chance more defensemen get injured?

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Yesterday wasn’t very kind to this organization’s defensive group. Joe Piskula was injured in the third period and did not return for the Milwaukee Admirals. In addition, Mattias Ekholm took a nasty looking spill into the boards for the Nashville Predators. What happened today should be the first of a few roster moves that take place within the system. Jaynen Rissling has been recalled to the Admirals from the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL.

Rissling has played the entirety of his season to this point in the ECHL. He has logged 27 games, produced 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists) of offense, has a plus/minus rating of -4, and 72 penalty minutes with a grand total of 10 fights to his name. He will wear #81 with the Admirals.

There should be a roster move coming up as far as the Predators are concerned as well. My natural assumption here would lead me to believe Anthony Bitetto should get his second call up of the season. Were Piskula healthy it might have been him instead. Rough thing for Milwaukee is that Johan Alm and Jimmy Oligny are both out to injury and, with Rissling now up, there are five defensemen in camp with no one else here to bring up from the ECHL.

I had asked Dean Evason last night about this current situation and it seems like a given that another defenseman will have to be brought on board. Whether it be a new PTO signing or perhaps working out a loan deal with someone. That will all have to be worked out quickly. The Predators play tomorrow and the Admirals play on Wednesday. The question of “who do we think about signing” needed to be answered with a pool of names last night to target the deals today. Could we see a new Admiral prior to Wednesday game? It might be cutting it close but the Admirals need to make it happen.

If that wasn’t enough, Colin Wilson was also dinged up for the Predators recently. It could be that Viktor Stålberg, Viktor Arvidsson, or Austin Watson get a look up top. Easiest transition of that group would be Stålberg. Should he go up I’d anticipate Joe Pendenza possibly making a return trip to Milwaukee just to keep the numbers the same.

Thoughts on the current defensive situation? Who should be called up to the NHL? Are there certain players available that could be added to the Admirals?

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Pekka Rinne is expected to start in net tonight for the Nashville Predators when they take on the Anaheim Ducks. That meant sending Marek Mazanec back down yesterday and, as you’d expect, today’s roster move. Rob Madore has been reassigned to the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL.

Madore has served as Magnus Hellberg‘s back up for 6 games this season but has yet to log any minutes in net. This season for the Cyclones Madore has played 20 games, holds a record of  8-8-0-3, a 2.71 goals against average, 0.900 save percentage, and has a pair of shutouts.

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