Tolvanen adjusting to new game: Year in AHL 'helped me a lot'

Eeli Tolvanen feels his game has already significantly improved in just his second year in North America.

Arguably the Nashville Predators' top prospect, Tolvanen spent the majority of the 2018-19 campaign with the Milwaukee Admirals. The 20-year-old credits his AHL stint for his newfound comfort with a different brand of hockey.

"I think the year in Milwaukee really helped me a lot," Tolvanen said, according to The Athletic's John Glennon. "The North American style of hockey is way different than back in Europe. So for sure, I should be a better player in this year's training camp."

The talented winger accumulated 35 points in 58 games with the Admirals last season. He played four games for the Predators and is eager to earn a full-time spot on the 2019-20 roster.

"Everybody wants to play here (in Nashville)," he said. "Hopefully last year was my last in Milwaukee. I have work to do this summer and I'm willing to do it. I just want to be here next year. I got a couple games here last year and it's a different world."

However, Tolvanen faces an uphill battle to make the NHL squad out of camp, as Nashville has 15 forwards on one-way contracts. But the front office is excited about his development.

"Everybody's dying to have goal-scorers, and he can score goals," Predators director of player development Scott Nichol said. "He's just maturing and he's getting there.

"Maybe he got a little overinflated in Russia, in the KHL. But he came here and what his best attribute is, is that he's coachable. He's got a great attitude. He wants to learn. He wants to be here. He wants to play in the NHL. He's on the perfect path."

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