With every passing day we are getting closer to the 2017 NHL Draft, and the Sabres have the eighth overall selection. Last article outlined Brooks Bandits D-Man Cale Makar, this time we look at another possible target for the Sabres.
Eeli Tolvananen, LW, Sioux City Musketeers (USHL), 5’10”, 181 lbs., DOB 04-22-1999
Tolvanen is an intriguing prospect in the upcoming NHL Draft, he spent his junior career playing for Sioux City in the USHL. During his junior career Tolvanen put up 47 goals, 45 assists and 92 points in 101 games played. His last season was his best yet, scoring 30 goals and adding 24 assists for 54 points in 52 games.
“Tolvanen is a highly skilled shoot first mentality forward with elusive hands and an NHL caliber shot,” said scout Jake van Besien from Future Considerations. “He skates well and has deceptive top-end speed, and has all of the skill to become an elite NHL goal scorer.”
Tolvanen also represented Finland at the IIHF World Junior tournament recording six points and six games, and he finished off his season by being named to the All-USHL First Team.
Why should Buffalo target Tolvanen?
Tolvanen is an interesting prospect, he will almost certainly be there when Buffalo is on the clock and there is a good case to be made for taking him.
The biggest case is that the Sabres have been looking for a winger to play alongside their cornerstone Jack Eichel. Tolvanen has the potential to be that winger, his speed and offensive capabilities could make him the perfect match to play with Eichel.
Eichel is an elite playmaker and with Tolvanen’s shot the two could form a deadly duo for years to come in Buffalo.
Another reason that Tolvanen would make a good pick is his developmental path fits perfectly into Botterill’s style. Tolvanen is committed to Boston College and there is no rush to get him into the Blue and Gold, he can develop at one of the better programs in the NCAA then make the jump to the pros in the near future.
Tolvanen would make an interesting selection for the Sabres at the upcoming draft. Would fans like to see Tolvanen in Blue and Gold? Give us feedback by following our social media accounts @SabresFanatics and my personal account @austin_broad.
