Marc Del Gaizo Makes His NHL Debut in Edmonton Today

At training camp Del Gaizo was clear about his desire to make the Nashville Predators roster and earn his chance to play in the NHL. Last season, Del Gaizo did not receive a call up from the Predators as veteran players went down with injuries. Missing that opportunity last season made Del Gaizo more determined to prove he is ready for the next step in his hockey career. 

"First and foremost, I want to make the team," Del Gaizo said at training camp when asked what he hoped to get out of his time in Nashville. "I thought I had a good season and didn't get an opportunity, wasn't one of the guys who got an opportunity so I've got a big chip on my shoulder."

Del Gaizo was one of the last players to head to Milwaukee in the preseason after a strong performance in training camp and in his preseason games. After playing five games with Milwaukee this season, he was recalled for the western road trip because Luke Schenn was on IR. 

Del Gaizo may take the place of Ryan McDonagh who was banged up in Thursday night's game against the Seattle Kraken. McDonagh was someone Del Gaizo looked up to as a young hockey player and who he learned from at training camp. 

"I'm on the ice with Ryan McDonagh," Del Gaizo said in September. "I'm from New Jersey and grew up a Rangers fan, so he's one of the guys that I really looked up to when I was younger. It's pretty cool to be on the same ice as him, learn what he does and how good he is defensively."

Del Gaizo will make his NHL debut against the Edmonton Oilers, a team with two of the best offensive players in the game in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Del Gaizo will take hi sortie lap shortly before puck drop which is scheduled for 2:00 pm CT. 

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