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Nashville Predators: An Overview of the 2017 Entry Draft

By Jake Evans

June 23, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Eeli Tolvanen poses for photos after being selected as the number thirty overall pick to the Nashville Predators in the first round of the 2017 NHL Draft at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
June 23, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Eeli Tolvanen poses for photos after being selected as the number thirty overall pick to the Nashville Predators in the first round of the 2017 NHL Draft at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Drummondville Voltigeurs. PAVEL KOLTYGIN. B. . Left Wing, Center

Nashville’s 5th pick of the 2017 draft came in the 6th round, when they selected Russian winger Pavel Koltygin. The 6 foot, 190 pound forward was NHL Central Scouting’s 83rd best skater in the draft. Last season,  in Drummondville, Koltygin posted an even stat line of 22 goals and 25 assists in 65 games. This even stat line shows Koltygin’s ability to shoot and score, just as frequently as he sets up his line mates. Although Koltygin doesn’t have amazing speed, his smooth skating and strong edge work make up for it. He has soft hands that work in tandem with his accuracy on his laser shot and passes. He is good in the face off circle, and knows how to shoot and score, or dish the puck out in the offensive zone.

His offensive weapons make him a threat around the net, while his defensive side poses a problem. Koltygin was a liability on defense this year, which was shown by his -28 in just 65 games. He has all the offensive tools to succeed in the NHL, however a lack of defense could spell trouble for the Russian forward.

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