Nashville go with Tolvanen at 30 Forward had been predicted as a mid-first rounder

Pro Hockey News spends several months preparing for the annual Mock Entry Draft.

This year the Nashville Predators were selecting 30th as runners-up the Stanley Cup Champions.

The Preds selected Eeli Tolvanen from the Sioux City Musketeers of the USHL.

“It’s a great organization and I’m honored to be a part of this organization,” Tolvanen said.

Last season with the Musketeers, Tolvanen struck for 30 goals and 54 points in 52 games.

The selection appears to be not without risks.  The question of why Tolvanen falling to the 30th spot in the draft is a concern given his talent.

It has been reported that native of inland had intended to matriculate at Boston College but academics got in the way.

One troubling comment made of Tolvanen was his arrogance.  Whatever the reason for his fall to 30th, the Predators have been said have to picked up the steal of the draft.

“I heard some speculation (that I was going to be selected) earlier, but it doesn’t matter right now,” Tolvanen said Monday on The Tennessean web site. “I’m in Nashville right now. It’s a great hockey city and I’m with a great team, so I couldn’t be happier.”

Through the rest of the draft, Nashville picked up Grant Mismash from the US National Development Team, David Farrance from the U18 US National Development Team, goalie Tomas Vomacka from the Corpus Christie IceRays of the NAHL, Pavel Koltygin of the QMJHL’s Drummondville Voltigeurs, and Jacob Paquette of the OHL’sKingston Frontenacs.

Nashville’s prospect camp began Monday with all prospects in the system getting ice time to impress coaches and set a path to the upcoming season.