Predators planning to add Eeli Tolvanen for stretch run

The Nashville Predators appear set to add an Olympic standout to the roster.

Fresh off an impressive showing for Finland in PyeongChang, highly touted prospect Eeli Tolvanen can expect to hear from the NHL club in short order, assistant general manager Paul Fenton told The Athletic's Craig Custance.

"We’ll have a contract in place to be able to execute and have him come over here," Fenton said Wednesday. "That’s the plan. Funnier things have happened. I don’t want to say 100 percent. I never do that in our business. Yes, our plan is to have him."

Tolvanen was selected 30th overall by the Predators in 2017 and has recorded three goals and six assists in five games at the Olympics, where Finland lost to Canada in the quarterfinal round.

He also recently played for Finland at the World Junior Hockey Championship and has registered 17 goals and 17 assists for KHL club Jokerit this season, his first as a pro.

Expect Tolvanen to sign his entry-level contract soon and possibly help the Predators on a Stanley Cup run after a loss in the Final a year ago.