An eventful week in Smashville concluded with the NHL Entry Draft this weekend. I had written previously about the draft… not especially a deep one, beyond the top five there is mostly developmental talent. I haven’t changed my opinion on that, but when a prospect that was described as a potential top five late last year and some mock drafts had in the top ten… falls to you at 30… well… you sit up and take notice.
Eeli Tolvanen made me sit up and take notice. The latest Predators first round pick is 5’9”, 189 lbs and was ranked 8th by Central Scouting among North American Skaters. He is described as an “offensive dynamo” “plays bigger than his size” and “can get his shot off at all areas of the ice.” He was a point per game player in the USHL, and the young Finn was dominant at last year’s World Juniors. Certainly the definition of best available player. But it does beg the question…
Why did Tolvanen fall so far so fast?
There are certainly a passel of rumors all over the internet… strongest among them was that he didn’t gather enough credits to complete his high school graduation in order to be accepted at Boston College. Most everything else floating around involves what appears to be a need for a little growing up… and what 18 year old hasn’t had that?
Let’s put all that aside… this young prospect has comported himself well said all the right things in his draft press conferences and just gave this observer a new focus for the upcoming development camp.
So what do you look for from this prospect? First off… don’t expect him to be wearing gold this season. He has some major league skill and an NHL level shot. He has speed, but most scouting report have this player as quick and elusive, which can be even more valuable in the NHL game. Several reports extol his work ethic and every one mentions a lethal shot. Tovanen is not sure what his plans for the upcoming season are, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he ends up in Milwaukee… which could be an accelerant to his development.
The Predators selected center Jeff Mismash, a University of North Dakota commit in the 2nd round, defenseman David Farrence who is a Boston University prospect in the 3rd and in the 5th round, goaltender Tomas Vomacka selected from the NAHL, a long term project and will be going to the USHL next season then the University of Connecticut.
Here is a complete recap of the draft with Preds chief amateur scout Jeff Kealty from Preds TV…
The Annual Prospect Development Camp begins tomorrow…
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I want to see what the rest of their offseason looks like... but the pre-draft moves Chicago made have me scratching my head and wondering if there wasn't just a wee bit of panic in them...
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