ESTERO, Fla. - The National Hockey League’s Nashville Predators have loaned six players to the Florida Everblades, their ECHL affiliate, including forwards Lukas Craggs, Patrick Harper, Tanner Jeannot, Cole Smith and Josh Wilkins, plus goaltender Devin Cooley. The players will remain with the Everblades until the start of the training camps for either Nashville or American Hockey League affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals. Craggs has previously played for the Blades in his rookie season in 2019-20. The forward appeared in 12 games for the Blades and notched 11 points (six goals and five assists). Prior to beginning his professional career, Craggs played collegiate hockey with Bowling Green State University. Jeannot also saw time with the Blades in the 2019-20 season. In three appearances with the Blades, he tallied five points (four goals and one assist). Before suiting up for the Admirals, the Oxbox, Saskatchewan, native played four years of major junior hockey with the Moose Jaw Warriors of the Western Hockey League from 2014-18. Wilkins skated with the Milwaukee Admirals in his rookie season of 2019-20. Last season, the Raleigh, North Carolina native totaled 15 points (three goals and 12 assists). Before turning pro, Wilkins played NCAA Division I hockey at Providence College. Harper, Smith and Cooley will be entering their rookie professional season in 2020-21. All three players previously played Division I collegiate hockey. Harper played at Boston University, where he completed his senior season with a total of 37 points (14 goals and 23 assists). Smith finished his career at North Dakota with a career-high of 18 points. Cooley previously suited up for the University of Denver, where he recorded 2.08 goals-against average in nine appearances. The 2020-21 regular season begins at Hertz Arena on Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m., where the Everblades will take on the Jacksonville Icemen. Opening weekend continues at Hertz Arena on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:00 p.m., as Florida hosts the Orlando Solar Bears. For tickets, click here. BLADES 365 MEMBERSHIPSBlades 365 Memberships are on sale for the 2020-21 season. Get great seat location and big savings with a Blades 365 Membership! Purchase a new Blades 365 Membership for the 2020-21 season and receive a $20 gift card to Ford’s Garage and an Everblades tote bag. To view the Blades 365 Membership savings, benefits and options click HERE. FOLLOW THE BLADESStay up to date with all the latest news, scores and promotions by following the Blades on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Tiktok, and Twitter. The Florida Everblades are the proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Nashville Predators and the AHL's Milwaukee Admirals.
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