Avalanche Draft Profile: Eeli Tolvanen

Get to Know Eeli Tolvanen

Date of Birth: April 4, 1999
Place of Birth: Vihti, Finland
Ht: 5’10”  Wt: 181 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: LW/RW
Team (League): Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)

Statistics

What Scouts See

Tolvanen is ranked anywhere between 8-15 on scouting websites. He has been pretty steady in the rankings over the last year, since his impressive showing for Finland at the U18 Worlds where he scored seven goals in as many games.

From thehockeywriters.com:

“With the deadly release and accuracy Tolvanen has with his shot, the volume of rubber he is firing at net is important. He has a full repertoire in his arsenal and changes the angle of his attack quickly. Coupled with a lightning release and the swagger of a natural shooter, there is no doubt what Tolvanen is trying to do when he gets the puck on his stick. He is fine going into high-traffic areas on the ice but knocking in rebounds in front of the net is not his specialty. Tolvanen is a sniper in the purest sense.”

From thedraftanalyst.com:

“Finnish-born sniper with a lethal shot who’ll move on to Boston College after what should be a memorable USHL career. Tolvanen is an expert sharpshooter with a quick release, and his ability to pick corners off the pass is reminiscent of countryman Patrik Laine. Tolvanen doesn’t have Laine’s size, but he’s strong on the puck and escapes from the tough battles right into shooting position. He’s a strong skater who likes to speed down the wing before unloading a labeled shot. His ability to elude opponents and finish off the rush is unmatched by any draft peer, and the trend of shrinking NHL defensemen will only make it easier for him to exploit his dynamic offensive skills.”

From NHL.com:

“Eeli Tolvanen is showing all the signs of being a special player for the draft,” said Dan Marr, NHL Director of Central Scouting. “He’s one of those players that is always noticeable in a game with his speed, smarts and skills and also with his work ethic, energy and competitiveness.”

What BSN Avalanche sees

Tolvanen is another one of those young Finnish snipers that are beginning to change the game of hockey with their lightning fast release. Tolvanen’s shot gets on the goaltender heavy and fast and it became too much for USHL goaltenders too handle. There are areas that Tolvanen needs to improve and that’s mostly in the defensive zone. The young Finn will be taking his talents to Boston College next season and will have up to four years to work on his game and get ready for the NHL. An NHL team will be drafting Tolvanen for his elite offensive ability and hope that he develops into an all-around player at BC.

Highlights

NHL Potential

Tolvanen, when he’s ready, will most likely jump into an NHL top-six and also on the right side of the power play. His shot and his ability to find open space are too good of a combination to not be playing with elite playmakers.

How Prospect Fits in Avalanche Organization

It’s hard to see the Avs considering taking Tolvanen at No. 4 unless they are strictly looking at wingers. They did, however, meet with him at the combine so there is definitely some interest. He can play either wing and could complement a more defensive minded center, such as Tyson Jost or JT Compher, nicely.