Preds Development Camp: Five Players to Watch

Fans of the Predators may not know all of their names yet, but
the 36 players attending
Nashville's annual Development Camp this week are trying to change that.
The prospects arrived in Tennessee over the weekend in time for Monday's opening, starting with meetings, off-ice testing and the first on-ice session of the week, which will eventually culminate with a
Future Stars Game at Bridgestone Arena
on Friday night.
Development camp not only provides an opportunity for those hoping to one day skate in the NHL to show what they've got, but they'll also learn "The Predator Way," what the organization believes it means to be a complete pro, on and off the ice.

In addition to the guest speakers, nutrition seminars and work in the community, there will also be plenty of chances for you to see the next generation in action.
So, as you head to Centennial Sportsplex or Bridgestone Arena this week (
click here to see the full schedule
), here are five development camp participants to keep an eye on:

Eeli Tolvanen - Forward
Easily the most highly touted prospect in the organization, Tolvanen has a real shot to make Nashville's Opening Night roster in October. The Predators' first-round pick in 2017, Tolvanen got his first taste of NHL action last spring when he skated in three games for the Preds. That debut came after Tolvanen set virtually every rookie record in the KHL last season, along with representing Finland at the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Tolvanen inked his entry-level contract when he arrived in Nashville last March and is attending his second development camp with the club, the first chance of the offseason to prove to Preds management he is serious about making a push for a spot this season.

Dante Fabbro - Defenseman
Perhaps the most recognizable name behind Tolvanen this week, Fabbro is arguably the top defensive prospect in the organization. The British Columbia native completed his sophomore season at Boston University by upping his point total to 29 - including nine goals - an 11-point increase from his freshman campaign.
Fabbro helped the Terriers to a Hockey East Championship and he also won Gold with Team Canada at the 2018 World Junior Championship. The 20-year-old blueliner will serve as a captain at BU this fall.

Frederic Allard - Defenseman
After a successful four-year stint in the QMJHL, Allard had a solid showing in his first professional season with the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL, posting eight goals and 24 points from the backend. If Allard keeps progressing, he could find himself on a shortlist to be a potential call-up to the big club if need be.

Jachym Kondelik - Forward
Nashville's newest center will be hard to miss this week - literally. Selected in the fourth round of the 2018 draft last weekend in Dallas, Kondelik stands at 6-foot-6 and is listed at 227 pounds, impressive size for any position, but especially at forward. Just 18 years old, Kondelik is committed to the University of Connecticut and is likely still a few years away from having a chance at the professional ranks, but his first impression will be one to watch this week.

Miroslav Svoboda - Goaltender
One of six netminders in attendance this week, Svoboda signed a two-year deal with Nashville back in April after leading the Czech Republic's Extraliga with 33 wins in 2017-18, helping HC Plzen record a league-leading 107 points during the regular season. Originally drafted by Edmonton in 2015, Svoboda is looking to make the jump to North America for the first time.