The Nashville Predators have claimed center Derek Grant off waivers from the Buffalo Sabres.
The Sabres waived Grant with the hope of getting him through to the Rochester Amerks on Tuesday afternoon.
Grant is an accomplished face off man. However, he has struggled to light the lamp. Grant has just three assists in 35 NHL games this season.
Grant has failed to grow his offensive game to the next level. He scored 27 goals and 45 points in 36 games in the AHL last year. He has failed to light the lamp in 75 career NHL games. Grant has six assists in his NHL career scoring column.
The Preds have been scouting the Sabres extensively for the past couple of months.
Nashville's forward depth has been thin due to injuries to James Neal and Colin Wilson.
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Robin Lehner will not be accompanying his team on the road trip to Tampa and Carolina. Dan Bylsma said after Wednesday's optional skate that Lehner is sick and will not travel with the team. Linus Ullmark was called up to Buffalo to back up Anders Nilsson against Philly on Tuesday night. Nilsson made 39 saves and defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 4-1.
Of all goalies that have played at least 10 games this season, Nilsson's .945 even strength save percentage is second only to Devan Dubnyk (.946).
However, Nilsson's .869 save percentage against the powerplay is 28th in the NHL of goalies with at least 10 games played.
Buffalo plays in Tampa in Thursday night. The Bolts are currently ranked second in the power play in the NHL.
Nilsson, acquired from the St. Louis Blues last summer for a 5th round pick, is 7-3-4 with a 2.37 GAA and a .930 save percentage.