The following is a press release from the Predators…

Nashville, Tenn. (January 14, 2012) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has recalled forward Chris Mueller (KRIHS MEW-luhr) from Milwaukee (AHL) and placed forward Jerred Smithson on injured reserve retroactive to Jan. 7.

Mueller, 25 (3/6/86), leads the Admirals in points (15g-11a-26pts) and goals through 33 games in 2011-12. This is the West Seneca, N.Y., native’s second recall to Nashville this season – he played a pair of NHL games Dec. 3 (against his hometown Buffalo Sabres) and 6 (vs. Phoenix). A season ago, the 5-11, 203-pound forward appeared in his first 15 NHL contests, registering three assists. Signed as a free agent on Dec. 27, 2010, Mueller posted 104 points (42g-62a) in 166 games (missing just four contests total) with Michigan State University from 2004-08, and helped the Spartans win the 2007 NCAA National Championship, ranking fifth in points (3g-2a) during the NCAA Tournament.