The Tennessean has finally acknowledged the Erat injury!
In their write-up today, they too anticipate a call-up to take Erat's roster spot. However, they mention a couple of different names as possibilities: Santorelli, Nick Spaling, Hugh Jessiman, and Jed Ortmeyer.
That got us thinking - is there any chance that someone other than Santorelli would be called up?
Hugh Jessiman is the most intriguing possibility. His 18 goals are second on the team, and his offensive game has shown marked improvement in the last few weeks. However, Jessiman is in the same boat as Jed Ortmeyer; he would have to clear waivers before being called up.
Jessiman was drafted way back in 2003, but didn't sign his first pro contract until 2005. As a 21 year old, he became exempt from NHL waivers for three seasons. Those three seasons were up last year. If they try to call up Jessiman, any team in the NHL can claim him for half of his salary - leaving the Preds on the hook for the other half.
Nick Spaling is an interesting name to throw out there. I don't see how - given the choice between Spaling and Santorelli - you could really go with the rookie. The Preds are in a playoff chase. Do you really think they are gonna call up a guy in his first professional season? Not when there is a more seasoned option available.
We are still waiting for a miracle on the David Legwand face-front. Our source in Nashville says there's "no chance" Legwand will return this week. We trust him - but we don't want to believe him.