The Nashville Predators recalled forward Vinnie Hinostroza from the Milwaukee Admirals on Saturday, one day after their 7-4 loss to the St. Louis Blues.
Hinostroza, 30, signed a two-year, $1.55 million contract with Nashville this summer. He’s played in 374 NHL games with the Blackhawks, Arizona Coyotes, Florida Panthers, Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins, scoring 54 goals and 97 assists in his career.
Coach Andrew Brunette is hoping Hinostroza, who leads the American Hockey League (AHL) in scoring with 33 points, will provide a boost to the team’s bottom six forward group.
“I love his speed,” Brunette said. “I had (Hinostroza) in Florida a little bit, so I’m familiar with him. He’s a great kid, he’s got really good skill and speed. I also think he’s matured a lot as a player, so I’m looking forward to seeing him go on the road with us for a while.”
Hinostroza has 11 goals and 22 assists with the Admirals this year. He will be reunited with several Admirals teammates in Nashville, including Zach L’Heureux, Adam Wilsby and Nick Blankenburg
“The guys here are great, I saw that in training camp,” Hinostroza said. “It’s easier to walk into a locker room when you know all the guys are approachable and nice to be around.”
As an older player in the AHL, a development league, Hinostroza knows his role is a little different than typical call-ups. He said he’s been working with Admirals coach Karl Taylor to iron out details in his game, as well as hone his leadership skills.
“I hit the 30-mile marker this year, turning 30, so I try to take on a role where I’m the older guy. Help the younger guys along in their career… that’s also helped me rejuvenate my career and feel a little younger than I am.”
Adding Hinostroza will have a ripple effect on the rest of the lineup. The Predators have been skating with 11 forwards, instead of the usual 12, which was made necessary by Cole Smith’s 4-6 week injury. The strategy worked against the Hurricanes, but didn’t against the Blues.
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At practice on Saturday, Hinostroza paired with Michael McCarron and Colton Sissons on the fourth line. His skill with the puck should help create more secondary scoring for the offense.
This move also means that Juuso Parssinen, who has been healthy scratched 21 times this season, is likely on his way out. Parssinen, who would have to clear waivers to be assigned to Milwaukee, has five points in 15 games for the Predators this season.
The Predators visit the Winnipeg Jets on Monday (6:30 p.m., FanDuel Sports Network), the second game of a six-game road trip.
Alex Daugherty is the Predators beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Alex atjdaugherty@gannett.com. Follow Alex on X, the platform formerly called Twitter, @alexdaugherty1. Also check out our Predators exclusive Instagram page @tennessean_preds.
