Predators Recall Jordan Oesterle as Nic Hague Faces Injury Ahead of Kings Clash

The Nashville Predators are preparing for a crucial matchup against the Los Angeles Kings, but they’ll likely have to navigate it without defenseman Nic Hague. Following an upper-body injury sustained during Saturday’s game against the San Jose Sharks, Hague left the ice early, prompting the Predators to call up Jordan Oesterle from the Milwaukee Admirals.

Oesterle has been enjoying a standout season in the AHL, racking up 46 points, including 14 goals and 32 assists, across 65 games. His performance has been particularly impressive of late, as he enters this call-up riding a seven-game point streak, contributing 11 points during that stretch. In fact, he has tallied six points in his last three outings, showcasing his offensive prowess.

Now in his 14th professional season, Oesterle brings a wealth of experience to the Predators’ blue line. Over his career, he has played full-time in the NHL with teams such as the Edmonton Oilers, Chicago Blackhawks, Arizona Coyotes, Detroit Red Wings, and Calgary Flames. Throughout 408 NHL games, he has amassed 96 points, making him a valuable asset for Nashville as they seek to strengthen their defense.

This will be Oesterle’s first call-up of the 2025-26 season, and his veteran presence could prove crucial for the Predators. Last season, he participated in 15 games, scoring three goals and adding an assist for a total of four points while logging only two penalty minutes.

As both the Predators and Kings head into this pivotal game, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With both teams tied at 71 points for the final Wild Card spot, Nashville holds the tiebreaker advantage due to more regulation wins. The puck drops at 9:30 p.m. CST, and every point will matter as the playoff race intensifies.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.