Eeli Tolvanen Regret: More Than On Ice Statistics

The Nashville Predators watched as Eeli Tolvanen flourished with the Seattle Kraken after being placed on waivers. Was the fan outrage really about Tolvanen the player or a much deeper issue for fans?

In December, the Nashville Predators placed their 2017 first round draft pick Eeli Tolvanen on waivers where he was picked up by the Seattle Kraken. Since then, Predators fans have watched as the 24 year old forward flourished under Dave Hakstol.  

In his 48 games with the Kraken, Tolvanen scored 16 goals and recorded 27 points. His shooting percentage went from 10.5% with the Predators to 16.5% in Seattle and average time on ice jumped over two minutes a game after the move. In his 14 playoff games, the Finn scored 3 goals and tallied 5 assists while playing a solid two way game. 

Losing a first round draft pick for nothing - especially one with as much buzz as Tolvanen generated when drafted - didn't sit well with the fan base. But was the considerable frustration over the loss of Tolvy about more than just the player's on ice performance since joining the Kraken? 

Related Reading: 

Could the Predators Make a Deal with Toronto for William Nylander? 

Juuse Saros Overlooked in Vezina Voting

What Did the Draft Lottery Mean for the Nashville Predators?