Preds Prospect Report: College Hockey & Call-Ups

In the NCAA’s Hockey East conference, Predators 2023 first-round pick Matthew Wood has gotten off to a solid start in his sophomore season with the UConn Huskies.

Wood - ranked fourth among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s final report and eagerly snatched up by Nashville at 15th overall - leads his team in goals (6) and points (10) and holds a four-game point streak (3g-2a).

Though he’s set to spend 2023-24 further developing his game at the college level, his first 12 games with the Huskies continue to show the 18-year-old forward’s strengths in stature, shooting and stickhandling.

Fans can follow Wood’s season with the Huskies by purchasing an ESPN+ subscription.

Stastney & Prokop’s Call-Ups

Ahead of Tuesday’s home contest against the Anaheim Ducks, 23-year-old defensive prospect Spencer Stastney got the call to rejoin teammate Marc Del Gaizo in Nashville. 

Stastney made his NHL debut with the Predators last year, gaining invaluable experience through the final eight games of Nashville’s season and posting two points and a +5 rating in that time.

While the rookie blueliner ultimately didn’t suit up on Tuesday evening, his four points (1g-3a) and +1 rating in 10 games with Milwaukee this season show he’s ready for his next taste of NHL action whenever the time may come.

If Stastney gets his wish, that could be as soon as this Saturday against 2023 No. 1 overall pick Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks.

Filling Stastney’s vacancy in Milwaukee is Predators defensive prospect Luke Prokop, who was called up to Nashville’s American Hockey League affiliate on Wednesday.

Fans can catch Prokop’s first game with the Admirals by purchasing a streaming subscription to AHL TV. 

And click here to view the latest Predators prospect report.