Nashville Predators: Grading the Predators offseason activity

First Round

With the 30th overall selection in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, the Nashville Predators selected RW Eelis Tolvanen. Tolvanen is a 5 foot 10 inch Finnish winger, currently playing in the KHL. Tolvanen was NHL Central Scouting’s eighth best skater, which means he was a steal for Nashville at #30. He’s shown great progress so far, and currently has eight points in eight games in the KHL. We could be seeing Eeli very soon in Smashville.

Second Round

In the 2nd round, 61st overall, the Predators chose American center, Grant Mismash. Mismash is a hard-nosed center who also has a surprising amount of finesse in his game. He excelled in the US National Team’s Development Program. Mismash will be playing for the University of North Dakota this year. The future is bright for Mr. Mismash.

Third Round

At #92 overall, the Nashville Predators selected a Ryan Ellis type defenseman, David Farrance. Like Mismash, Farrance was most recently with the US National Team’s Development Program, where he earned NHL Central Scouting’s nod as the 11th best North American defenseman. Farrance is a solid overall defenseman who will be playing with Boston University this season.

Fifth Round

With the 154th overall pick, David Poile chose a dark-horse Czech goalie, Tomas Vomacka. Vomacka put up impressive numbers last season in the NAHL. He is signed to play in the USHL this coming season, then with the University of Connecticut the following year.

Sixth Round

In the 6th round, the Nashville Predators selected Russian winger Pavel Koltygin. He had a stellar season in the QMJHL, where he will return to next season.

Seventh Round

With their last pick in the draft, the Predators chose Jacob Paquette. Paquette is a big-bodied defenseman who had an average season, last year, due to injury. He will return to the OHL for at least another year.