With the Predators sitting at a 6-10-4 record through their first 20 games, it’s fair to say that things haven’t gotten off to a good start this season. There is some good news coming today, however, as the team announced (Twitter link) that defenseman Roman Josi will return to the lineup tonight against Colorado and has been activated off injured reserve. The team had two open roster spots so corresponding moves were needed to activate him.
The 35-year-old has missed the last dozen games due to an upper-body injury sustained just under a month ago against Vancouver. He was off to a nice start as well, chipping in with five points and 15 blocked shots in his first eight outings while averaging a team-high 24:05 per night of playing time.
When healthy, Josi remains a legitimate top-pairing defender although staying healthy has been a challenge as of late. He missed the final 25 games last season and was later diagnosed with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome but was cleared to return for training camp.
Arguably, Nashville’s biggest move over the offseason was the trade acquisition and subsequent signing of blueliner Nicolas Hague with the hopes that he and Josi could form the new top pairing. However, Hague missed the first eight games of the season with an upper-body injury of his own and his first game back was the first one that Josi missed. Now, more than six weeks later than expected, the Preds will get a chance to see that duo in action as they were paired together at today’s morning skate.