Preds prospect Eeli Tolvanen notches highlight-reel goal in KHL playoffs

BarDown Staff

Eeli Tolvanen , Screenshot via Twitter/ KHL

At just 18-years-old, Eeli Tolvanen is has blossomed into one of the best hockey players in the world currently not playing in the NHL.

The Predators 1^st-rounder (30^th overall) in the 2017 NHL Draft is set to join the Nashville Predators upon completing his season with Jokerit.

The highly skilled Finnish winger was in action on Friday, and once again, his talents were on display. With already three playoff goals in the KHL playoffs, Tolvanen tied the game for Jokerit to force overtime against Sochi.

But, the wonder winger wasn’t done there.

With just under six minutes remaining, Tolvanen took a pass at centre ice, gained the zone, and decided to he was going to stop up and circle the wagon. The Sochi goaltender came out to challenge, but Tolvanen astutely kept his momentum in motion and circled behind the net and wrapped the puck in for the game winner.

#Preds prospect #EeliTolvanen tied the game for @jokerithc and then scored this game winner in the #KHL playoffs. . He's only 18 and has 5 goals in 5 playoff games. . (📽 Via: @khl)

A post shared by TSN (@tsn_official) on Mar 9, 2018 at 10:26pm PST

Help us, Eeli-Wan Kenobi, you're our only hope. pic.twitter.com/DBW8WMYFK6
— KHL (@khl_eng) March 9, 2018

Look howTolvanen opens up all that room for himself. Not many 18-year-olds are capable of pulling that off, let alone against full grown.

The Preds sit first in the Western Conference, but would still welcome the addition of Tolvanen who could join the team as late as mid-April, meaning Tolvanen he'll arrive in Nashville at the conclusion of the regular season or during the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The youngster recorded 19 goals and 36 points in 49 games with Jokerit. He also represented the Finns at the Olympics and World Juniors.

Preds fans, you have a dandy coming your way.