NASHVILLE - Nail Yakupov will return to the lineup tonight when the Blues meet the Nashville Predators at 7 p.m. at Bridgestone Arena.

"It's a numbers game. You've got to play your way in and play your way out," Blues Head Coach Ken Hitchcock said after an optional morning skate. "We're not disappointed in Yak, but he needs to come in and he's going to get a real opportunity with good players, so this is a good chance for him.

"With Robby, we're in a position where he's part of the group of 13 or 14 (forwards) - really 14 with (Ty) Rattie going down and getting time (for conditioning in Chicago)," Hitchcock added. "You have to make a decision whether you want to be in that group of 14 or if you want to stay in the Top 9 or 10. Unfortunately he's part of the mix now both ways."

In addition, Hitchcock confirmed goalie Carter Hutton will start in goal against his former club. Hutton spent three seasons with the Predators.

Due to the optional skate this morning, a full projected lineup will not be available until closer to game time.