Nashville's Josi looking forward to NHL debut

DETROIT – Nothing is set for sure, but it looks like rookie defenseman Roman Josi will make his NHL debut for the Nashville Predators on Saturday night at Joe Louis Arena against the Detroit Red Wings.

Josi, 21, was a second-round pick for the Predators in the 2008 Entry Draft (No.38 overall) and appeared to be in good position to make a run at a roster spot in training camp. Instead, the puck-moving Swiss blueliner had a concussion early in camp and that set him back.

Now, he’s been called up and may make his debut playing next to Jonathan Blum for the Predators. Nashville coach Barry Trotz didn’t confirm Josi is playing, but did say he’s looking forward to seeing what the young defenseman can add.

“He’s a pretty dynamic player,” Trotz said after Nashville’s morning skate. “He’s such a great skater and he’s more of a puck-mover. If I had to describe him, he’d be more like a Ryan Suter. He’s got great ability to move laterally and he’s got great escapability and is a great passer. He’s a good young defenseman. I’d use him on the power play. That’s a strength for him.”

Trotz said it was simply time for Josi to get more familiar with the League.

“I brought him up to get him acclimatized to the National Hockey League a little bit, with no expectations that he’s going to be in the lineup or not in the lineup,” Trotz said. “I need him to get used to us and us to him.”

If Josi does play for the Predators tonight, he’ll be playing against one of his childhood favorites in Detroit captain Nicklas Lidstrom – who fronts a team that’s quite popular where he’s from.

“They always had a good team and I always watched the Red Wings (growing up),” Josi said. “They’re pretty famous in Switzerland, too. Everybody watches the Red Wings, especially Lidstom. He was always great and is still great, so I’m excited to see him out there. He was always one of the best players and defensemen and I always looked up to him.”