Preds Lose Top 4 Defender Ahead of All-Star Break

Photo Credit: John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images

Just over one minute into their game against the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday, Jets defender Logan Stanley leveled Nashville Predators forward Cody Glass. Preds defender Alexandre Carrier took offense to the hit from Stanley and the two players immediately dropped gloves and starting fighting. Stanley stands eight inches taller than Carrier and weighs a solid 50 pounds heavier too. Needless to say, Carrier lost rather quickly. In the process, he was thrown down to the ice and suffered and upper body injury that knocked him out of the game and will sideline him for four-to-six weeks.

Carrier made the NHL All-Rookie team last year where he set several franchise rookie records among defensemen including assists, points, and blocked shots. He also set the franchise rookie record for plus/minus with a +26 rating.

He has been a staple on the second defensive line for the Predators this season averaging over 18 minutes a night. Having registered three points in the two games prior to injury, Carrier was looking to continue his hot streak before injury struck.

With the Preds on the verge of a playoff spot, they are fighting for every game and can not afford the loss of a key player. In response, the team announced that Kevin Gravel has been called up from their AHL affiliate in Milwaukee. Gravel, 30, has played parts of six seasons in the NHL which includes a stint earlier this season for the Preds where he suited up for four games. Over 113 games in the NHL he has tallied one goal and 12 assists in an average of 14 minutes on ice.

This key stretch without one of their better defenders will be a tough test for a team fighting for the playoffs. A successful run could see the team make moves to improve the roster, but a rough stretch could see the team become sellers.