In search of some offensive punch, the Predators have recalled forward Matthew Wood, a 2023 first-round draft pick, from Milwaukee of the American Hockey League.
The 6-4, 202-pound Wood played six games for Nashville last season after making his NHL debut on April 6, posting one assist. He had played two games for Milwaukee this season, scoring his first goal as a professional Oct. 18 vs the Texas Stars.
Prior to turning pro, Wood was a consistent offensive producer in college, totaling 39 points (17 goals, 22 assists) in 39 games for the University of Minnesota during the 2024-25 season before signing professionally with the Preds.
In two previous seasons at the University of Connecticut, Wood notched 62 points (27 goals, 35 assists) in 70 games for the Huskies.
The 20-year-old Wood got off to a strong start in training camp, totaling five points (one goal, four assists) in the Preds’ first two preseason contests. He likely would have made Nashville’s opening-night roster had he not suffered a lower-body injury midway through camp.
“I definitely have a lot more confidence than I had at the end of last season — kind of getting my feet wet — and that’s kind of been a pattern of my career,” Wood said following a three-point preseason game against Florida.
“Getting a little confidence is really big for me. The mental side of the game, it’s something that I’ve really worked on, and I’m going to try to continue to work on it.”
The Predators will be trying to snap a four-game winless streak (0-3-1) when they play host to the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday.
Nashville has been held to two or fewer goals in five of its first seven contests this season, and the Preds’ 2.43 goals per game average ranks 29th out of 32 NHL teams.