This week on The Hockey News On The 'A' Podcast with Jacob Stoller and Patrick Williams:

- The Nashville Predators recalled Phillip Tomasino on Monday. After a rookie season that saw him record 32 points in 76 games last season, Tomasino didn't make the Predators out of camp this season, and he had been with Milwaukee since the start of the season — recording 32 points in 38 AHL GP. What took so long for him to earn a recall?

- A way-too-early Calder Cup outlook. Who are the contenders in the Eastern and Western Conferences? Who are the sleepers? And why do AHL teams' Championship chances change so drastically after the NHL trade deadline?

- Georgii Merkulov is the prospect of the week. Merkulov, 22 signed with Boston as an undrafted free agent before the 2022-23 season. He has 35 points in 43 games with Providence (AHL).

- The New Jersey Devils are armed with a deep prospect pool, and there's a good chance they could unload some of their AHL prospects in a deadline deal.

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