Tolvanen adds to Predators’ depth
NASHVILLE, TENN.» The Predators, already rich with forward talent, found a way to get even deeper when Eeli Tolvanen arrived last month. His overseas accomplishments and eye-popping talent preceded him, but the Predators were quick to lighten expectations. Tolvanen’s future is blinding, but as the Predators gear up for another run at the Stanley Cup, he’s seen more as depth.
“You have to remember that we were a pretty successful team before we got him,” Predators coach Peter Laviolette said. “We weren’t waiting for him to come here because he needed to go on the first line.”
The Predators’ plan was never to thrust Tolvanen into a prominent role this season, though they’d have no problem doing so if necessary because of his array of experience. He had 25 goals and 43 points in 60 regular-season and playoff games in his rookie KHL season.
Tolvanen’s skill set is suited for an up-tempo playoff series against the Avalanche that opens Thursday at Bridgestone Arena. It appears that he will be scratched at the start, though.
Tolvanen skated Monday at practice with extra forwards Scott Hartnell and Calle Jarnkrok, whose status has been upgraded to day to day as he recovers from an upper-body injury suffered March 13.
“(There’s) a lot of good offensive players,” said Tolvanen, who’s without a point through three games. “It’s not easy to come here and take a spot. I think this is what I was expecting. I have to earn my spot on the roster.”
Nashville won’t hesitate to burn the first year of Tolvanen’s maximum entry-level contract, which will happen if he appears in seven more games this season.
If the Predators feel that he will help them win, he will play.
“I am elated that he’s here, that he’s signed, that he’s played in three games, that he’s trav- eling (and) practicing with our club and getting all those experiences,” said Predators general manager David Poile.
“I think Peter’s got enough of a feel for him now that if and when he needs to put him in the lineup, he will be more comfortable to do that just based on (the fact that) he’s been here for a couple of weeks with our team.”
The Predators are better prepared to handle the inevitable injuries that pop up in the playoffs than they were last year. Their roster is more talented, and Tolvanen is a part of that.
“You don’t know what’s going to happen in the playoffs,” Laviolette said. “If anything, last year proves that more than ever. … We’re probably going to need everybody.”
Footnote.
It’s been more than two years since the Predators lost to the Avs, their first-round opponent in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
The Predators have won 10 consecutive games against the Avalanche, including a fourgame sweep this season. Colorado last defeated Nashville on March 28, 2016.