According to Juha Hitela of Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat Urheilu, the Nashville Predators have come to an agreement to sign 2017 NHL Draft pick Eeli Tolvanen to an entry-level contract. He is likely to join the team when his KHL season with Jokerit is complete. Jokerit is down three games to one in their second-round playoff series with CSKA Moscow.
Tolvanen’s ELC is done deal. Immigration issues solved. Jokerit season likely over tomorrow. Then to Nashville. https://t.co/ElLin2v5Lo
— Juha Hiitelä (@jhiitela) March 21, 2018
Report: Eeli Tolvanen to Sign Entry-Level Contract With Nashville Predators
Eeli Toilvanen, from Vihti, Finland, was the Nashville Predators 1st round pick (30th overall) in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. The 18-year-old (turns 19 in April), is currently playing Jokerit in the KHL. He scored 19 goals and 17 assits for 26 points in 49 regular season games. He also racked up 28 penalty minutes.
Tolvanen also spent time in the USHL with the Sioux City Musketeers, where he put up 47 goals and 45 assists in 101 games over 2 seasons. He only managed 38 penalty minutes as well.
Tolvanen has also played in multiple International competitions with Finland, including the Olympics and World Juniors. At the Olympics he tallied three goals and six assists for nine points en route to being named to the tournament All-Star Team. In the World Juniors, he was named a Top three player on his team after putting up a goal and five assists in five games.
The young forward has six points in nine playoff games for Jokerit. He is expected to join the Predators shortly after his KHL season is done, in time to add depth for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Tolvanen should compete for a roster spot on the Predators next season and could really help them up from with his scoring and skating abilities. He is listed at 5’10”, 181lbs and is quite elusive with the puck. Not only can he pass well, his shot is nothing to sneeze at. The Finn should make an impact sooner rather than later in the NHL. Even with the Nashville Predators being deep on the wing, he should be able to slide into a top-nine role next season.
You can check Ben Kerr’s full scouting report here.
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