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Nashville Predators: Four burning questions for the 2018-19 season

By Corey Francis

WINNIPEG, MB - MAY 3: Nashville Predators players stream onto the ice to celebrate a 2-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets in Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell MTS Place on May 3, 2018 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The series is tied 2-2. (Photo by Darcy Finley/NHLI via Getty Images)
WINNIPEG, MB - MAY 3: Nashville Predators players stream onto the ice to celebrate a 2-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets in Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell MTS Place on May 3, 2018 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The series is tied 2-2. (Photo by Darcy Finley/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 29: Nashville Predators right wing Eeli Tolvanen (11) is shown during the Future Stars game, held on June 29, 2018, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 29: Nashville Predators right wing Eeli Tolvanen (11) is shown during the Future Stars game, held on June 29, 2018, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Bang or Bust?

Speaking of Tolvanen, what will we see from him this season. After setting the hockey world on fire last year, much is expected for the young man. And, I do mean young. Entering his first full season as a Nashville Predators, Tolvanen is only 19 years old.

The NHL was spoiled last season by young players. Patrik Laine finished with 44 goals, second best in the league. Clayton Keller had 65 points, Matthew Tkachuk had 49, Pierre-Luc Dubois had 48. Oh, and Nico Hischier finished with 52. What do they have in common? They are 19.

In all, 19 players at the age of 19 played at least one game in the NHL last season. Twelve saw time in over half their team’s games. And ten earned 20 or more points. There is no doubting the potential Tolvanen possesses. We witnessed his ability to score during the KHL season and the Winter Olympics. But, that success does not mean he is the next Laine. Even though 19-year-olds have shown well lately, Tolvanen may not.

Next: Quiet free agency is a good sign

But, still. I can’t wait to see him take the ice in 2017-18.

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