The Nashville Predators announced Tuesday that defenseman Kevin Gravel has been recalled from the AHL Milwaukee Admirals, replacing forward Kieffer Bellows, who was sent back to the AHL in a corresponding transaction. Bellows, 26, is a former first-round pick who was drafted 19th overall by the New York Islanders in 2016. Bellows signed a one-year, $775k contract with the Predators on July 3 and was called up to the NHL on Jan. 11, but did not appear in any games for Nashville. The Hockey News' Emma Lingan and Michael Augello discuss Elliotte Friedman's report that the Nashville Predators are treating Ryan O'Reilly as if he has trade protection in his contract ahead of the deadline. Gravel, 32, has been with the Predators since 2022. He replaces Spencer Stastney [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/spencer-stastney-sent-ahl-next-nashville-predators-defenseman], who was assigned to Milwaukee on Monday, on the NHL roster. Gravel has appeared in three NHL games for the Predators this season, recording one assist. In 26 total games as a Predators player, Gravel has two assists. Visit The Hockey News Nashville Predators [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/] team site to stay updated on the latest Predators news [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news], game day [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/game-day] coverage, player features [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/players], podcasts [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/podcasts], and more.
