New Predators forward Ozzy Wiesblatt is one of four young men in his family who have played hockey. Their mother Kim put them through the youth ranks & saw each of them end up in the Canadian Hockey League.
Wiesblatt was dealt to the Predators from the San Jose Sharks for Egor Afanasyev on Sunday. He spent time in the AHL with the Barracuda then was loaned to the Milwaukee Admirals in March.
“It means a lot to have people believe in me & they know what I’m capable of,” Wiesblatt said. “I’m a very tenacious player & have a motor that doesn’t stop. Just focusing on having a good summer to get back at it.”
He hopes to be around the net more often attacking this season while his tenacity speaks for itself.
Trotz RE trading for F Ozzy Wiesblatt:
“He got buried in their organization for some reason. He’s a little bit younger & it makes a whole lot of sense for us to do that. He checks a lot of boxes for us.” @1025TheGame
— Nick Kieser🏒 (@KieserNick) June 24, 2024
It was a move Wiesblatt felt would be best when considering his future of playing professional hockey. He’s still itching for his NHL debut after two years of playing in the AHL.
“I think that I wanted to be moved & being in Milwaukee it was unbelievable, I didn’t want to leave. For this deal, I’m over the moon & extremely excited,” Wiesblatt said. “Feeling motivated to have a really good summer & have a great season next year. I feel great & I’m glad it’s going to be Nashville.”
Wiesblatt will need to woo over the organization with the same level of play he showcased once he arrived in Milwaukee. Head coach Karl Taylor enjoyed seeing him play with forward Philip Tomasino last season in his short time to round out the season.
“We gel together on & off the ice, he’s a great person off the ice,” Wiesblatt said of Tomasino. “He makes plays so quick & I’m able to read them. That locker room is special, and the leadership is unbelievable. Getting to learn from Cal O’Reilly, a true veteran of the league, being able to pick his brain was awesome & it’s a special organization from top to bottom.”
The 22-year-old loves Taylor’s mentality with the team being the leader behind the bench. He brings the “lion mentality” which Wiesblatt feels matches his approach.
“I love his message & I love what he’s about, his winning attitude I love it. Really enjoyed my time with him & I’m looking forward to next season,” Wiesblatt said.
Taylor made sure Wiesblatt felt at home as soon as he arrived back in March & since then that left a lasting impression on him.
The 31st pick of the 2020 draft understands he’s going into the final year of his rookie contract. Wiesblatt said won’t be at Nashville’s development camp but hopes to leave an imprint on the team when he arrives for training camp.
“I know what I’m capable of & I think I showed it at the end of the year & in the playoffs,” Wiesblatt said. “I know I’m a real good player & I’m coming to camp to make the Predators & that’s it. I know that I need to work hard to have a huge summer. I’m ready for it, I embrace it & I’m very excited. I know it’ll be awesome.”
This summer Ozzy has been skating with his brother Oasiz who has been with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the Western Hockey League. Ocean, Orca, Ozzy & Oasiz all have realized their opportunity or still have one to reach the NHL at some point.
When all four siblings get the time they work on their game together on & off the ice before going their separate ways for the season.
“I don’t ever get to see my brothers in the season. I live with them here in Calgary & it’s great to be around them all the time,” Wiesblatt said. “I workout with my brother & skate with him all the time. It’s fun to have that competitive spirit that we grew up with.”
Going into the 24-25 campaign Wiesblatt is one of two players from the 2020 first round that has yet to make his NHL debut.
He’ll make an effort to challenge for one of the roster spots the Predators have this fall.
Follow Nick Kieser on Twitter/X: @KieserNick
Top photo courtesy of Milwaukee Admirals
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