Scouting the Winnipeg Jets 2017 NHL Draft: Eeli Tolvanen prospect profile

Synopsis:

Similar to Owen Tippett, Eeli Tolvanen is known to fill the net in abundance. Outside of Tippett and Nico Hischier, Tolvanen is the next purest goal scorer available in this class of the Top 10 prospects. His 30 goals was second among all draft eligible USHL scorers, trailing only Jack Adams (age 20) of the Fargo Force. He is one of the better skaters of his draft class and plays a shifty and elusive style similar to that of Nikolaj Ehlers.

Scouting Report via Jeff Marek:

Heating back up again in the USHL. One of the top pure snipers in the draft this season.

Fun Fact:

His older brother Atte Tolvanen had a great string of games for the University of Northern Michigan Wildcats this winter as he set an NCAA record for most consecutive shutouts (5). He posted a .918 SV% on the season.

Why a fit with the Winnipeg Jets:

Tolvanen would be yet another offensive weapon to compliment an already stacked top six forward group. Again, the much ballyhooed Expansion Draft might create a chain reaction as to where this selection makes a lot of sense. At days end, you can’t teach scoring and that is something that Tolvanen produces in spades. He has committed to Boston College for the 2017-18 season, and, as such, he could play there for a few years without taking up contract or roster space. This is something which may be seen as alluring by Jets’ brass in the short term. In a scenario where he is the best player on the board at thirteen and the interest garnered by dangling the pick in a trade is minimal, I think the selection would make sense.

Cons to the selection:

Trying to remain pragmatic, I understand that room can be made rather easily to add a player of Tolvanen’s skill set. Having said that, I do believe that – should they still be on the board – it would behoove Winnipeg to take one of the highly touted defencemen at this selection, regardless of the offensive versatility that Tolvanen provides.

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