The Nashville Predators have signed forward Eeli Tolvanen to a new three-year deal worth $4.35 million, the team announced on Monday.
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TOLVY TIME https://t.co/F9jhc18Zcr pic.twitter.com/qaj5IMi7ay
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) August 30, 2021
Re-signing Tolvanen, a restricted free agent, was the last major unchecked box left on David Poile’s offseason to-do list. The 2017 first round pick finally secured a permanent place in the Preds’ line-up last season, finishing with 11 goals and 22 points in 40 games. Six of those goals came on the power play, most among the Preds in that category.
Tolvanen’s AAV comes out to $1.45M, which could prove to be a major discount for the Preds if he continues his growth. Tolvanen showed plenty of promise in his breakthrough season. A full 82-game slate will provide him more chances for consistent minutes, as well as a longer leash to go through some “growing pains” on the defensive end.
With Tolvanen signed, the Preds have locked up all of their remaining restricted free agents. They currently have just over $11M in cap space to play with entering next season.
Thoughts on the deal, Preds fans?