Per NHL insider Nick Kieser, it looks like Matthew Wood may be making his NHL and Nashville Predators debut Sunday against the Montreal Canadiens.
In a quick discussion with Predators forward Cole Smith, he reported that Wood looks to be playing on a line with himself and Mike McCarron. Wood recently signed an entry-level-contract with the Predators after an impressive point-per-game (39 points in 39 games) season with the University of Minnesota.
The 20-year-old was drafted 15th overall in the 2023 NHL draft. In his draft year, Wood recorded 34 points—11 goals and 23 assists—in 35 games with the University of Connecticut. He also notched 13 points in the U18 WJC, taking home gold.
Wood Will Bring Size and Skill to Nashville
Ever since the Predators drafted him, fans knew that he would be a physical presence on the ice. Standing at an astounding 6'5", 205lbs, Wood stands tall above the opposition. He is skillful power forward bring both physicality and offense to the ice. Known for his powerful shot and puck handling skills, he is able to take control of the game easily.
There were concerns about his skating consistency at the draft. Two years later however, those worries are nonexistent. Throughout his two-year development in the NCAA, he's grown stronger and has become more agile. He noted in an interview that he feels more confident when it comes to his skating ability.
"I’ve gotten a lot stronger skating-wise, gotten faster and more mobile, and obviously still working on both those things"Matthew Wood, via NHL.com
There were also concerns regarding his physicality. Despite being one of the tallest amongst his peers, he tended to struggle landing hits. He is mainly known for his scoring abilities rather than laying the boom. Just like his development in his speed, Wood has taken the next step in playing physical. He has become more involved in puck battles and isn't afraid to use his body against defenders.
McCarron and Smith Are the Perfect Linemates for the Rookie
Throughout their times in Nashville, both McCarron and Smith have proven themselves as physically inclined. The former Milwaukee Admirals are important depth pieces whose main priority is to wear down the opponents. Both forwards drop the gloves when needed and don't hesitate to stick up for a teammate. If Wood were paired alongside both players, his development would be well-done.
Nashville is a modern-day version of the Broad Street Bullies. For the past decade, the Predators have held some of the most physical dominant players in the league. Names like Jeremy Lauzon and Kiefer Sherwood are number one and number two in the all-time hits per season list. Tanner Jeannot was both a fighter and scorer. When he dropped the gloves, locker room staff got ice packs ready for his challenger.
We have also seen other players in Nashville shift their focus to playing more physical. Colton Sissons, Zachary L'Heureux, and Fedor Svechkov are among those who shifted to a more two-way game. Put Wood into the mix and we have a potential superstar in the making. He is eager to learn and adapt his game to be the best he can. Pairing him with the two most physical players in Nashville may be a career-changer for Wood.