Forward of Friday’s recreation towards the Blackhawks, the Predators announced they’d recalled right-winger Joakim Kemell from AHL Milwaukee. He’s the corresponding transfer to fill Vinnie Hinostroza’s roster spot after they lost him to the Wild on waivers Wednesday. If Luke Evangelista can’t play resulting from his lower-body harm, then Kemell ought to be in line to make his NHL debut – doubtlessly in a top-six spot with Filip Forsberg and Ryan O’Reilly.
Kemell, 20, was Nashville’s first-round decide in 2022 and is considered one of two gamers chosen within the prime 20 who’ve but to make their NHL debut. He’s in his second full season with Milwaukee and third general, co-leading lively Admirals in scoring with 9 objectives and 16 assists in 38 video games. Whereas his minus-nine score is the worst on the staff, he’s received a robust general monitor file since arriving in North America and is coming off an AHL All-Star Basic look.
His six assists in his final 5 video games helped persuade the Preds to provide him his first recall. They’ve 13 forwards on the lively roster, however Evangelista and Mark Jankowski are uncertain for Friday’s contest and would depart Nashville in a bind if they’ll’t go.
The 5’11”, 183-lb Finn was named Liiga Rookie of the Yr in his draft yr, posting 15 objectives and eight assists in 39 video games for JYP to steer the top-level league in rookie goal-scoring. He regressed a bit in 2022-23, logging 12 objectives and three assists with a -16 score in 43 video games, however appeared refreshed when Nashville recalled him from his mortgage on the finish of the season and despatched him to Milwaukee. He completed the yr with 13 factors in his first 14 AHL regular-season video games and led the Calder Cup Playoffs in rookie goal-scoring with eight in one other 14 video games. He posted 16 objectives and 25 assists in 67 video games in his true rookie season with the Advertisements final yr.
Kemell’s entry-level contract slid twice resulting from his lack of NHL appearances, so that is the primary yr his deal counts towards their contract restrict. He’ll be eligible for restricted free company in 2027.
