Eeli Tolvanen
Long-touted as an elite NHL goalscorer, Eeli Tolvanen has been slowly brought on by the Nashville Predators – perhaps too slow, as it’s now reached the point where some Preds fans are worried he’s a bust, and the Preds were even rumored to be considering moving him for a rental at the deadline. That didn’t happen, and with the Preds unlikely to bring back Wayne Simmonds next season, there’s a natural spot for Tolvanen about to open up. Like Zadina, he put up 35 points in the AHL last season, but in seven fewer games; his two points in four NHL games with the Preds was also more impressive than Zadina’s three in nine.
Eeli Tolvanen is an electrifying prospect – and should also be considered by those wanting to back a dark horse for the 2019/20 Calder Trophy.
There are many others out there who could challenge for the Calder – Anaheim’s Sam Steel, Arizona’s Barrett Hayton, Florida’s Aleksi Heponiemi, to name just three – but it’s clear that the 2019/20 Calder race is going to be a hotly-contested one. Hughes will have to stay healthy for the full season, and have a season for the ages, to ensure a Calder triumph.
We have faith he can do it – how do you feel about his chances?