On Tuesday evening, the Devils announced they have activated Brendan Smith from injured reserve.
On Tuesday evening, the Devils announced they have activated Brendan Smith from injured reserve.
NASHVILLE, T.N. -- Brendan Smith will be available for the New Jersey Devils when the club faces the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on Tuesday night.
Smith has been sidelined since Jan. 15, when he suffered a sprained knee against the Boston Bruins.
Santeri Hatakka, 23, was recalled from the Utica Comets (American Hockey League) on Feb. 4. He appeared in seven games alongside Colin Miller and was credited with two assists.
To activate Smith, the Devils assigned Hatakka to the Comets. The club currently has Nick DeSimone as their seventh defenseman. It is worth noting that Hatakka is waiver exempt.
This is not the worst time to get Smith, arguably the team's most physical player, back into the lineup.
Entering tonight's game, the Predators lead the league in hits with 1,428. Jeremy Lauzon has a league-leading 233, followed by Cole Smith (160) and Yakov Trenin (151).
The Devils will have their work cut out for them tonight, as the Predators' last regulation loss at home to the Devils was on Jan. 19, 2009. Since then, Nashville has gone 7-0-4 against New Jersey on home ice, including wins in four straight.
Puck drop between the Devils and Predators is scheduled for 8:00 P.M. at Bridgestone Arena. Head coach Lindy Ruff will address the media at 6:00 P.M.