Predators hopeful P.K. Subban returns soon from injured reserve

Paul Skrbina | The Tennessean

Predators defenseman P.K. Subban is eligible to return from injured reserve Wednesday against the St. Louis Blues.

But Subban, who has missed three games with an upper-body injury, hasn't been on the ice with the team since, meaning he isn't likely to return against St. Louis.

General manager David Poile told 102.5-FM on Wednesday he wasn't "totally sure of the situation." He said he thought Subban was making progress and "it could be a little while longer" before Subban is playing again.

"I'm not trying to be evasive here, but hopefully it's not too much longer," Poile told the radio station.

The Predators beat the Lightning on Monday to retake the claim as the NHL's best team. Subban was outside the dressing room after the game.

He left during the first period of the Predators' 5-4 loss against the San Jose Sharks on Nov. 13 and did not return. He also had left during the first period of the game the night before against the Anaheim Ducks but later returned.

The Predators play a home-and-home against the Blues beginning Wednesday in Nashville and concluding Friday in St. Louis.

Subban, who was the only Predator to play in all 82 regular-season games last season, has two goals and 10 assists in 18 games this year.

Reach Paul Skrbina at pskrbina@tennessean.com and follow him on Twitter @PaulSkrbina.

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