Kevin Fiala, LW, 2014, #11 Pick in the First Round
Young Mr. Fiala can move up this list in a hurry. We have seen flashes of his game-breaking potential and explosive acceleration. Last season, he expected to be on the Nashville Predators roster at the beginning of the season. When he was sent to Milwaukee, he brooded a bit but turned it around and let the team in scoring with 50 pts in 66 games by season’s end.
He is still only 19 years old. He has a bit of maturing to do and needs to learn to play a little more defense. (He was a -19 plus/minus in Milwaukee) But the sky is the limit. He has already played six games for the Preds and scored his first goal.
His quote from an article by the Hockey Writers:
"“My offense is good, but I have to be even better defensively,” Fiala said. “I am getting better and better, and I have to be even better. I have to be more physical. I have to have a better shot. Everything.”"
It sounds like that maturity thing is happening. Whether it’s next year or the year after, Kevin Fiala is expected to make the Preds club and help their offense. There is hope that he could get very near the top of this list. Stay tuned.
Next: #10, A Player with a Purpose