The Rich Gets Richer: Nashville Inks Tolvanen
By Chris Clark
The Nashville Predators officially signed Eeli Tolvanen to an entry-level contract earlier today, adding a young star to an already deep position.
Just as you thought the Predators couldn’t get any better. They did. They signed their 30th overall pick in the 2017 Entry Draft, Eeli Tolvanen, to a three-year, entry-level contract.
As has been noted elsewhere, Eeli Tolvanen's contract will be the maximum allowable for entry-level players — $925,000 in total salary and up to $2.85 million in performance bonuses per year. https://t.co/lFeKPjoI4N
— Adam Vingan (@AdamVingan) March 29, 2018
Tolvanen’s contract is similar to Connor McDavid’s, drafted first overall in 2015, and Austin Matthews, drafted first overall in 2016 when they entered the NHL. Nashville General Manager David Poile thinks highly of Tolvanen and believes Nashville got the steal of the draft.
Tolvanen had 19 goals and 36 points in his rookie season in the KHL. That’s the highest total by a player under 19 years old in league history. He also scored six goals in the KHL playoffs and had nine points in five games with Finland in the Olympics.
Poile thinks that Tolvanen’s talent should help him trend to the top two lines and get him some time on the power play.
"“He’s an offensive player, so he’s got to trend toward the top two lines, which maybe if you get him in the lineup, maybe you could actually say you have three offensive lines. I’m not against that. He’s not a fourth-line player or a checker. He’s an offensive player.” – GM David Poile, via the Tennessean."
Tolvanen could make his NHL debut this weekend. Head coach Peter Laviolette wants to give Tolvanen an opportunity to transition to his new home.
Laviolette wants Tolvanen to watch a game, experience the fans and atmosphere tonight and then perhaps play in a future game (next would be Saturday vs. Buffalo). #Preds
— Thomas Willis (@TomAWillis) March 29, 2018
The Predators have six games remaining on their schedule. One of which is tonight versus the San Jose Sharks. They play at home against the Buffalo Sabres this Saturday and then head to battle the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday.
However, Nashville already clinched a playoff berth. So, at this point, they’re looking to reserve some players and try to avoid injuries before the playoffs. That means this is the perfect opportunity to give Tolvanen a look and see if he can provide some solid depth come playoff time.
Speaking of depth, the Predators are awaiting news on two important depth guys.
In other news, David Poile said that the team should have a further update on Calle Jarnkrok's status at the end of the regular season. He also said it's reasonable for Austin Watson to return this weekend.
— Adam Vingan (@AdamVingan) March 29, 2018
If the Predators can get Jarnkrok and Watson back on the ice, the depth would be greater come playoff time. It’ll be exciting seeing those two guys, plus Tolvanen, out there in gold.