Nashville Predators: Eeli Tolvanen returning to Milwaukee is a good thing
Eeli Tolvanen is returning to the Milwaukee Admirals. While he filled a need for the Nashville Predators, going back is good news.
The last few weeks have been difficult for fans in Smashville. Injuries forced roster moves and lineup rotations in order to fill vacant spots. It made the Nashville Predators look like a .500 team. We know they really are not. Still, adversity and injury became the albatross of the Predators. It looks like things are starting to turn around.
Prized prospect forward Eeli Tolvanen was called up to Nashville sooner than the team wished. Missing three top-6 forwards require the stop-gap move though Tolvanen’s performance with the Admirals showed he was not quite ready.
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While with the Predators, Tolvanen performed admirably. While gaining only 47 minutes of 5v5 time, Tolvanen gained one goal and a CorsiFor of 62%. Nashville tallied two goals while not allowing opponents to score while the young forward was on the ice. Both goals came from the eight high-danger chances the team created with Tolvanen. Not a bad stat line.
But, now he is being sent back to Milwaukee, a team that has been struggling lately. Tolvanen returning mean more ice time for the young forward. He played in only four games during his time with the Predators, scratched only against the Calgary Flames. Now, he will get regular play on the top line and power player, giving him opportunities to work and sharpen his skills.
The also means a roster spot is to be filled. Kyle Turris has skated with the team in practice alongside Craig Smith and Calle Jarnkrok. He is expected to play tonight against Vancouver. Turris is the Nashville Predators’ leading scorer, with three goals and two assists. Certainly, his return improves the overall play of the Predators lines.
The next step is getting healthier. P.K. Subban is expected to return next week, but David Poile suggested we are still three weeks away from seeing Viktor Arvidsson or Filip Forsberg.
Next. Don't hit the panic button. dark
These weeks cannot go by fast enough.