Predators Recall Vitali Pinchuk, Assign Matt Murray

Centerman Vitali Pinchuk has been recalled to the Nashville Predators roster after making his AHL debut on Saturday. He recorded two shots and a plus-one in what was his first game in North American pros. Pinchuk moved on from a six-year career in Russia’s KHL to join the Predators on a one-year, $1.025MM contract over the summer.

Along with Pinchuk’s recall, Nashville has also reassigned goaltender Matt Murray. Murray was called up to fill in for Justus Annunen in Saturday’s win over the Dallas Stars.

A stint in the minor-leagues gave Pinchuk a chance to ease back from an upper-body injury sustained in the preseason. Now that he’s back up to speed, the 24 year old could have a chance to make his NHL debut in Tuesday’s matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Pinchuk was among the KHL’s top scorers last season. He finished the year ranked third in goals (31) and sixth in points (66) through 65 games. It was a breakout year that continued Pinchuk’s gradual climb in scoring after 43 points in 2024-25 and 22 points in 2023-24.

That rise has mirrored Pinchuk’s growth in athleticism over the years, adding much more agility and mobility to his 6-foot-3, 203-pound frame. With that mix, Pinchuk proved he could drive the Dinamo Minsk offense. He was the first option on breakout and earned many of his scoring chances on the rush. That talent, and a strong frame, will make Pinchuk a player to watch once he breaks into the NHL lineup.

Pinchuk will likely slot onto the fourth-line, next to Jack Drury and either David Edstrom or Reid Schaefer, if he plays on Tuesday.