Are you guys surprised Tolvanen was cut?
- charlest
No, for all the reasons already mentioned by Paul and blueline. While I don't think this will be a factor in Tolvanen's handling at all, one potential benefit of keeping him in Milwaukee this season would be that the Preds would avoid having to protect him when Seattle comes calling in a couple of years. I can't see him staying in the minors all year though. Especially if he's ever going to become the player the Preds, and, and in particular Poile, need him to become.
It's good to see Tolvy finally showing some positive progression as a player. There were times last year where it really looked like he might turn out to be a total bust. In one year he went from a prospect everyone was calling Poile about, to someone DP was trying to trade and received crickets chirping in response. Preds really need someone like Tolvy to step up this season. Duchene alone isn't going to solve all the Predators offensive wows. He's a big piece of it, but he's not the entire puzzle, and I worry casual Preds fans are looking at him like some type of savoir.
The Jets and Preds are actually in very similar positions. I can see scenarios where both teams could be potential cup contenders, and both could struggle to make the playoffs. It all depends on how certain things break for both teams. Then again, you can say that about most of the Central.