One thing we know about Nashville Predators rookie Ozzy Wiesblatt?
He’s no shrinking violet.
In the 4-2 win against the Flames on Nov. 1 at Bridgestone Arena — ending a three-game losing streak — Wiesblatt initiated a rough-and-tumble second period with his ferocious forechecking, so much so that six penalties were called, including a 10-minute misconduct on the Flames.
Though Wiesblatt did not factor on the score sheet — Michael Bunting took care of that, putting up a goal and two assists in the first period — it was Wiesblatt’s constant aggression that distracted the Flames in the first two periods.
Forcing turnovers, finishing checks with surprising power, flashing in front of defenders to take away options, he did all of it for 13:58. At just 5-foot-10, 189 pounds, he still threw his weight around, inviting careless counter punches by Calgary’s frustrated defense.
“When you’ve got guys coming after you, that’s when I’m having the most fun.”” Wiesblatt said after the win.
A 23-year-old rookie, he was acquired by Nashville in a trade with the San Jose Sharks in June 2024. Since then, he has played mostly for the Milwaukee Admirals in the AHL, with 16 goals and 30 assists in 80 games. Then he made the Predators‘ opening night roster, earning a spot on the fourth line with Michael McCarron and Cole Smith.
In nine games, Wiesblatt has just two assists, skating 11:00 per night. But he’s not tracking his production in points — he’s tracking how much he can affect the other team.
“I just try to be as annoying as I can,” he said. “Just affect the game any way I can. If I can get anybody off their game or focus on me, I’ll take that.”
Against the Flames, it was defenseman Brayden Pachal’s focus that Wiesblatt attracted. At the 10:39 mark of the second period, Wiesblatt drew a punch from Pachal after the whistle, and they engaged in a quick skirmish. But Pachal extended the attack too long, eventually drawing a 10-minute misconduct from the officials.
Wiesblatt said afterward it wasn’t trash talk that angered the Flames — “I don’t say much out there,” he revealed — but just a result of his energy and physical play.
“They got a couple shots on me (early) and I got a couple on them. I don’t mind that . . . If anything, it makes me play better. I love it,” he said.
Next up, Nashville (5-6-2, 12 points) hosts the Dallas Stars on Nov. 3.
Alex Daugherty is the Predators beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Alex atjdaugherty@gannett.com. Follow Alex on X, the platform formerly called Twitter, @alexdaugherty1. Also check out our Predators exclusive Instagram page @tennessean_preds.