Nashville Predators: Players Who Need Big Impressions at Training Camp
By Rich Howe
The question that has been on everyone’s mind for the past couple of seasons has been, “when is Eeli Tolvanen going to make Nashville’s permanent roster?”
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It appears that the time is now. If it’s not now, then when will it be?
Tolvanen was selected in the first round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft by Nashville. Since being drafted, he has only played in seven NHL games, registering a goal and an assist.
Tolvanen’s time with the Milwaukee Admirals is another matter. In his two seasons with the Admirals, Tolvanen has scored 71 points (36 goals, 35 assists).
Recently, Tolvanen was loaned to the KHL’s Jokerit Helsinki team. In 25 games, he tallied 13 points (5 goals, 8 assists).
Based on his recent gameplay, he may be ready to make the jump to the NHL. And everyone remembers when he took the KHL by storm originally a few seasons ago.
Ever since General Manager David Poile uttered the words “youth movement,” Tolvanen has been on the radar. Many have speculated that he will be slotted on the second line with Matt Duchene.
This upcoming training camp may be Tolvanen’s best chance to finally make the Predators’ roster. He will need to show the coaches that he has evolved as a player and can be counted on to provide scoring for a Predators team that will sorely need it.