Nashville Predators: Top-10 Rookie Seasons in Franchise History
By Chad Minton
Eeli Tolvanen, 2020-21
Rookie Numbers: 40 games, 11 goals, 11 assists, 16.9 shooting %, 6 power play goals
Even though it was a rocky season for the Predators in 2020-21, Eeli Tolvanen was one of the major bright spots that brought enthusiasm to the fans. And it was well-deserved.
Tolvanen broke into the regular season on the first day of February after the Predators were already a half month into their schedule. He didn’t waste any time making an impact by scoring a goal in his first game.
The power play production of Tolvanen finally came to fruition for this Predators team as he got more games under his belt. His shot from the upper slot is pinpoint accurate, and he showed that to the tune of six goals with the man advantage.
I really wanted to move Tolvanen up on this list, but an injury derailed his season and once he returned he didn’t seem quite as comfortable. A shortened season to 56 games also leaves us wondering what kind of totals he could’ve amassed with the full 82 games.