One of the longest road trips of the season ends tonight (at 6 p.m. CT) in Columbus for the Nashville Predators.
The Predators (7-5-2) went 2-1-0 in California during the first three games of their four-contest excursion. Their focus now shifts to the Eastern Conference as they visit former Pred Seth Jones and the Blue Jackets (9-5-1).
Nashville could get reinforcements to their forward group soon, but perhaps not from the expected place. The Predators acquired center Kyle Turris from the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday, but due to immigration paperwork, it's unlikely Turris will suit up for the Preds tonight.
"I'm not sure how long the immigration process is going to take," Turris said via conference call on Monday. "Depending on how it goes, but I definitely will be in Nashville by the middle of this week, for sure. I, hopefully, will be getting a few practices in before the game on Saturday.
Nashville could also have centerman Nick Bonino (Injured Reserve) return to action soon. Bonino has missed the last nine games but has joined the Predators for their previous four morning skates (including on Tuesday in Columbus). Bonino did not participate line rushes this morning.
The Preds held a full morning skate on Tuesday, below is a projected lineup based on the session:
Projected Lineup: Predators at Blue Jackets
Turris Unlikely to Make Predators' Debut; Bonino (IR) Continues to Progress
© Nashville Predators
