Tolvanen Showing Increased Confidence at Preds Development Camp

The nervous feelings haven't completely evaporated, but Eeli Tolvanen is certainly more comfortable than he's ever been in the city of Nashville.
All it takes is one glance at his confidence on the ice or one conversation in the locker room to realize the 19-year-old - who also happens to be the most highly-touted prospect in the Predators organization - is different this time around.
Tolvanen admitted he was timid during his first Development Camp experience last summer, just days after being selected 30th overall by the Preds during the 2017 NHL Draft. The hesitation was also present when he inked his entry-level contract and skated in his first three NHL games last spring, arriving after a spectacular rookie season with Jokerit of the KHL.

The Finn had impressed no matter where he had played previously, but the NHL is the top league in the world for a reason. Now that Tolvanen knows what to expect, he's approaching things differently.
The 2018 version of Preds Development Camp is a chance for him to make an impression before he gets his chance during training camp in September and challenges for an opening-night roster spot.
"The first couple of games were really tough for me," Tolvanen admitted when recalling his first outings with the Preds back in March. "But that was huge to have those couple games out of the way and just to see the tempo and what the game is like back here. Now, I know I have to get stronger, bigger and faster, and I have to be ready when the training camp starts."

It may sound simple, but Tolvanen says he learned that while there is certainly an immense amount of pressure at the NHL level, it's still just a game. That in turn means Tolvanen simply wants to play the way he knows he's capable, while recognizing the differences in this League compared to his previous experiences.
"[The NHL is] way faster and more physical than the KHL," Tolvanen said. "You just have to be ready every time you touch the puck, and if you make a mistake it's going to come back."
Tolvanen also believes he's matured as a player and person - even in the past few months - and whether he's aware of it or not, those in charge have already taken notice.
"If you look today, he was the first guy stretching, leading the circle," Predators Director of Player Development and Milwaukee Admirals General Manager Scott Nichol said. "Just those little things, he probably doesn't even know that we look at that, but those are the characteristics we want to see. We want to see him take command of this camp."
So far, so good, as Tolvanen has impressed through two days of Development Camp, not only with his skill set, but also his disposition.
On second thought, maybe his nerves are actually gone. Just have a conversation with him to find out.
"I was just a kid last year, and now that I've played a year with the KHL and a couple games here, my confidence is [much higher] now," Tolvanen said. "I'm just a better player all around right now."