Predators' Ozzy Wiesblatt to Miss 8-10 Weeks with Upper-Body Injury
Nashville Predators forward Ozzy Wiesblatt will be sidelined for 8-10 weeks due to an upper-body injury sustained during a game against the Florida Panthers. The injury occurred during his first shift, following a collision with Panthers forward Carter Verhaeghe and teammate Michael McCarron. This setback comes as a disappointment for Wiesblatt, who has been a valuable asset to the team this season.
Wiesblatt, a first-round pick (No. 31) in the 2020 NHL Draft, has shown promise with five points (one goal, four assists) in 29 games. His first NHL goal was scored in a 5-1 victory over the Calgary Flames on December 2nd. However, this injury marks a temporary halt to his progress.
Additionally, the Predators' defenseman Justin Barron is also dealing with an upper-body injury, which has landed him on the injured reserve list. Barron has been out since November 16th and has recorded four assists in 19 games this season. The team's recent injuries will undoubtedly impact their performance as they prepare to face the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday.
The Predators, currently sitting at 10-13-4, will need to rely on their depth and resilience to navigate through this challenging period. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching the team's progress and hoping for a swift recovery for both Wiesblatt and Barron.