Tolvanen could be difference maker for Preds heading into playoffs

Fresh from signing a three-year, entry-level contract, the Nashville Predators’ Eeli Tolvanen will make his NHL debut on Saturday night.

On Thursday morning, the Nashville Predators made headlines when they signed Eeli Tolvanen to a three-year, entry-level contract. As per CapFriendly, the news signified a departure from administrative norms, in that the 18-year-old winger was offered a deal that entails a yearly salary of $925,000 and room for up to $2.85 million in bonuses during each respective season.

Tonight, the Preds will push the narrative further, as the young forward is set to make his NHL debut against the Buffalo Sabres. Tolvanen will fill in for Filip Forsberg on the team’s top line, where he’ll play alongside Viktor Arvidsson and Ryan Johansen.

While the terms of Tolvanen’s contract might come as a surprise, it’s important to note that he’s been regarded as one of the most promising up-and-coming prospects for quite some time in hockey circles.

His past season, in particular, has been nothing short of spectacular. As Mike Organ reports, Tolvanen recently set a KHL record for the highest amount of goals (19) and points (36) recorded by an under-19 player in league history. He also made a splash on the international stage for Finland, where he tallied nine points over the course of five games at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. It was the second-highest amount of points recorded by a player under 19.

Already one of the NHL’s most depth-ridden organizations, the Preds’ decision to give their top prospect a deal just games before the playoffs is a sign of the team’s ambitions in the postseason. The hope is that Tolvanen’s presence will bolster Nashville’s roster, as past totals show that the young winger should not only add scoring depth, but can also help to improve the team’s shots per game numbers. That he’s been awarded a slot on the top line could also signify a steal for fantasy hockey lovers, as playing on both the first powerplay unit and alongside the likes of Arvidsson and Johansen against a team like the Sabres is a recipe for a high scoring game.

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For now, let’s enjoy the debut of one of the most exciting young players in the hockey world. It promises to not only be the start of a majestic career, but is also reflective of the Preds’ more general objectives as they head into the postseason.