Predators GM Poile expected back at work this week

The Nashville Predators announced Tuesday that general manager David Poile is expected to return to work this week.

Poile was struck in the face by a puck Feb. 6 while attending a Predators morning skate at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn. He was taken to a St. Paul-area hospital and had two surgeries the next day to repair a fractured orbital bone and fractures in his nose. Poile returned to his home in Nashville on Feb. 9.

The injuries prevented Poile, general manager for the United States Olympic team, from attending the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

Poile is required to wear a patch over his injured eye and remains under observation while the club's medial team continues to assess his recovery.

"I know that I have a challenging road ahead but am going to embrace the challenge and am eager to get back to work," Poile told the team's website. "Thank you, in particular to the medical teams at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minn., and Vanderbilt Medical Center here in Nashville for the outstanding care and attention I have received and continue to receive. Thanks also to all those in Nashville and throughout the hockey community who have reached out to offer support and encouragement. It has been uplifting and most appreciated. I'm looking forward to watching USA's quest for the gold medal in Sochi and the Predators resuming the playoff race."