Kariya likely to sit out with groin injury

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Kariya

The Predators apparently will have to wait a little longer to see their new star on the ice.

According to a report in The Tennessean, Paul Kariya will likely miss the team's first two preseason games because of a groin injury. Nashville opens the preseason Wednesday night in St. Louis and then hosts Columbus on Friday.

''It's always disappointing when he doesn't play, whether it's home or away,'' Predators coach Barry Trotz told the newspaper. ''The most important thing is getting him healthy. We'll see him play.''

Last week, Kariya missed practice and a scrimmage because of a sore ankle. On Wednesday, Kariya was hit by a puck and the team wanted to play it safe.

''You know when you have a sore ankle you push off differently with the other ankle,'' Trotz told The Tennessean. ''They're all minor things. I'm sure if we were playing regular-season games, Paul would find a way to play.''

According to the report, Kariya is still expected to skate on his own at Wednesday's practice.

Kariya signed a two-year deal worth $9 million during the offseason. He played nine seasons with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim and last season with the Colorado Avalanche.

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