Nashville Predators: Rookies to Watch in Prospect Showcase

As the off-season reaches the final stretch before camps, Nashville Predatores rookies take center stage with the 2018 NHL Prospects Showcase.

The Nashville Predators organization announced 22 players were invited to participate in the 2018 NHL Prospects Showcase coming up next week. Here’s a look at some Nashville Predators rookies to keep an eye on. Some might be future NHL starters.

Eeli Tolvanen

The man, the myth, the legend: Eeli Tolvanen. He is the highlight of the rookie roster and will wear number 11 (not sure how I feel about that yet). Tolvanen appeared in three games with the Nashville Predators at the tail end of last season, and he failed to score a point. Everywhere else he has played though, he’s produced at or near a point-per-game. The nineteen-year-old will likely use this opportunity to showcase his offensive flair as he looks to make the opening day roster.

Alexandre Carrier

Carrier is a defenseman-in-waiting for the Nashville Predators. He’s led the Milwaukee Admirals defensemen in points the past two years. In 2017-18, he finished with 28 points, thought it’s a slight dip from 2016-17 when he had 39 total points. He appeared in two games with the Nashville Predators in the 2016-17 campaign. Alexandre Carrier is working his way up the Predators pipeline. He’ll start with the Admirals, but I wouldn’t be surprised if joins the team at some point this season.

Vladislav Yeryomenko

Another defenseman to watch at the NHL Prospects Showcase is Vladislav Yeryomenko. He was the Nashville Predators 5th round pick in the 2018 draft, selected 151st overall. Most notably, he is the only pick from that draft class to participate, so the Predators must be very high on him. The Hockey Writers describe him as ” a very adept offensive defenseman. He’s got good foot-speed and reads defensive coverage well, to the point where he’s like a fourth forward at times when he joins the offensive rush”. Sounds like he’ll fit in with the Predators style of play.

Emil Pettersson

Emil Pettersson was a 6th round pick of the Nashville Predators in the 2013 NHL Draft. He’s a Swede, and we know how much the Predators love Swedes. Based on his performance with the Admirals last year, he could be destined for success. The forward led the team in points with 46, half of which came on the Power Play. He’s definitely one to keep an eye on.

Tanner Jeannot

On April 2, 2018, the Nashville Predators announced they signed Tanner Jeannot to a three-year, entry-level deal. He’s spent the last four years with Moose Jaw in the WHL. His point production increased every year and peaked last year with a 40 goal, 40 assist season. Jeannot is a big-bodied winger, listed as 6’2 and 207lbs, but with a knack for scoring he could be a dangerous threat. Of the prospects that are participating, I’m most intrigued by Jeannot.

Miroslav Svoboda

Two goalies were invited to participate. Miroslav Svoboda has a little more experience, spending a lot of time in the Czech league. His numbers are becoming more impressive the older he gets, and he is performing well in the playoffs. Here are some stats from his last three years of play:

2017-18: 47GP, 2.1 GAA, .926 SV%
2016-17: 25GP, 1.60 GAA, .944 SV%
2015-16: 21GP, 3.05 GAA, .924 SV%

The NHL Prospects Showcase is hosted at the Germain Arena in Estero, Florida from September 8-11. The Nashville Predators team will face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning and Washington Capitals.