Predators' Prime Trade Candidate Injured, Out For Indefinite Period

The Nashville Predators' best trade commodity might have just lost market value for the time being, as pending unrestricted free agent defenseman Alexandre Carrier has been ruled out "week to week" after taking a hit to the head Thursday night.

Kirill Kaprizov ➡️ Alex Carrier • #HFhits#MNWild #Preds • 2023 NOV 30 pic.twitter.com/rn25vBc66F

— hockeyfights (@hockeyfights) December 1, 2023

Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov leveled Carrier with an upper-body hit that got plenty of his head, and the Preds called out Kaprizov afterwards.

Needless to say, the #Preds weren't happy with Kirill Kaprizov's hit on Alexandre Carrier.

Kaprizov was only assessed a minor penalty on the play; Carrier never returned to the game. pic.twitter.com/Sf4mONWumk

— Locked On Predators (@LO_Predators) December 1, 2023

Head coach Andrew Brunette thought a five-minute major was in order, though Kaprizov received only a two-minute minor, just adding to the Predators' anger.  "I didn't like it at all. I thought it was a predatory hit to the head," said Brunette. 

"I thought it was a bad hit, honestly," added Nashville defenseman Roman Josi. "He's in a vulnerable position and there's no reason for Kaprizov to hit him there. I think those are the kind of hits you don't want in the game."

The NHL's Department of Player Safety hasn't called a hearing, so it doesn't look like Kaprizov will miss any time. Unfortunately, the Predators can't say that about Carrier. 

The right-shot defenseman was off to a nice start to the season, with eight points in 22 games while playing his solid defensive game. He had a plus-3 rating. 

Photo: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports