Predators' 1st-rounder Tolvanen signs with KHL team
Eeli Tolvanen is headed home.
The Finnish forward has agreed to a one-year contract with Jokerit Helsinki of the KHL, the team announced Wednesday. The deal also carries an option for the 2018-19 season.
Tolvanen was selected in the first round by the Nashville Predators in this year's draft, 30th overall. He spent last season with the USHL's Sioux City Musketeers, recording 30 goals and 24 assists in 52 games.
Tolvanen was originally committed to Boston College for 2017-18, before it was reported in late June that he did not meet the school's admission requirements.
His NCAA ineligibility for next season not only pushed Tolvanen toward the KHL, but also saw the highly touted prospect fall in the draft. Tolvanen's final ranking by ISS Hockey was 17th overall, while he placed eighth among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting.
Tolvanen has yet to sign an entry-level contract with the Predators.