Nashville Predators place Ryan McDonagh on IR, Jordan Gross Recalled

The Nashville Predators placed defenseman Ryan McDonagh on Injured Reserve Monday.

Jordan Gross who has played in three NHL games this season returns to the Predators. He currently leads defenders on the Admirals roster with 11 points (2G 8A).

Gross has scored two goals as a Nashville Predator with both coming against the Vancouver Canucks back on Nov. 5.

McDonagh exited the 2nd period versus the New York Islanders. A puck shot by defenseman Alexander Romanov hit McDonagh in the face.

Nashville was just finding some consistency on the blue line with McDonagh playing alongside Roman Josi. Money Puck says the duo has played 126 minutes together this season.

The Predator’s next game is at Tampa Bay on Thursday. Last time out Nashville fell 3-2 in overtime on Nov. 12.

With McDonagh out for potentially four weeks, he wouldn’t return until the final week of December. In six of the 12 games in December, the Predators will face a divisional opponent.

Three teams they’ll face this month have a sub- .500 record.

Gross has seen time with captain Roman Josi when he’s been with the Predators. The pair has a 60% expected goal average, and Nashville could surely use a temporary fix with Gross’ consistent play translating over to the NHL.

The reigning AHL defender of The Year from 2021-22 is also one of only three Predators defenders to score a goal this season. With 47 minutes played so far at the NHL level, Gross is a band-aid for the time being.