Depth for Nashville Predators as Jake Livingstone Inks Two-Way Deal

After making his NHL debut back on April 6, Jake Livingstone has been signed by the Nashville Predators to a two-year deal, two-way deal to solidify more depth for the defensive core.

Livingstone, who is 24-years-old and went undrafted to the NHL, got the unexpected call-up to the Predators roster towards the end of the 2022-23 season while the team was going through so many key injuries. Also while still remaining in the playoff hunt.

An example of how fast things can change in the NHL even for an undrafted player who out of nowhere gets an opportunity of a lifetime, and rises to the pressure.

Livingstone Gave Valuable NHL Minutes to Nashville Predators Playoff Push

In five NHL games, Livingstone logged 15:27 of average ice time, tallied an assist against the Calgary Flames and now will look battle for a roster spot out of training camp.

Livingstone was originally signed in March to a one-year entry level contract by the Nashville Predators. This all coming while injuries to the defensive core included at one time or another Alexandre Carrier, Roman Josi, Jeremy Lauzon and Ryan McDonagh. All regular starters.

Mark Borowiecki was also lost early in the season and has since retired after another brutal head injury.

Livingstone really showed some promise in his five games with the Predators despite being relatively unknown and having all of the excuses in the world to come out looing shaky.

Instead, Livingstone held the fort down on the defensive end. Impressively he notched 11 blocked shots and six hits.

Perhaps even more impressive, Livingstone kept his discipline in order by only taking two penalty minutes. That says a lot about a player getting his first call-up and not making careless penalties.

Livingstone played three years collegiately with Minnesota State University and was Alternate Captain in 2022-23, playing in 39 games and putting up a collegiate career high of 35 points.

This is an understandable and well-deserved signing for the Nashville Predators to initiate. Livingstone has a strong chance to be the “seventh” defenseman out of training camp, but will also likely be a key contributor for the Milwaukee Admirals in the AHL.

The Nashville Predators have some defensive depth to rely upon going into 2023-24 with Livingstone getting this extension. The starting three defensive pairings look set for now, but don’t count out Livingstone pushing for NHL starts in the coming season.