Nashville Predators: Top 8 prospects worth getting excited about

6. Marc Del Gaizo

One prospect who seems to fly under the radar for the Nashville Predators is defenseman Marc Del Gaizo. The 21-year-old was taken in the Fourth Round (No. 109 overall) of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft after a 13 goal, 29-point season as a freshman for the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

While he was limited to just 22 games last season due to a high ankle sprain, he still impressed with four goals and 15 points. Gaizo and his teammates have recently started their 2020-21 season, and all signs early on point to him having a huge year. In four games so far, he is tied for the team lead with four assists.

The one concern on Gaizo is his size, as he is listed at just five-foot-ten and 188 pounds. This is quite small for a defenseman, particularly at the NHL level. However, small players, including blueliners, are beginning to get their opportunities in the NHL and are proving themselves worthy.

Look no further than Vancouver Canucks stud Quinn Hughes, who is only five-foot-10 and 170 pounds, yet was a Calder Trophy finalist this past season. While it remains unknown how Gaizo will adjust to the pro game when the time comes, he clearly has the skill. For the time being, the Preds have to focus on getting him signed to an Entry-Level Contract.

5. Eeli Tolvanen

Just a few seasons ago, Eeli Tolvanen was regarded as one of the better prospects throughout the entire league. Despite him dropping off considerably since then, he is still an intriguing piece for the Predators. The 21-year-old was selected with the 30th pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft after a 54-point season in the USHL with the Sioux City Musketeers. Those were solid numbers, but it was the following season where hype around him began to really pick up.

Tolvanen spent the 2017-18 season in the KHL, playing for Jokerit Helsinki. In 49 games, he was able to put up 19 goals and 36 points at just 18-years-old. His 19 goals tied Nicklas Jensen for the team lead, while his 36 points where just one shy.

Given that he was able to post such outstanding numbers in one of the top leagues in the world, many believed he was a superstar in the making. Unfortunately, the past two seasons, which he has spent the majority of in the AHL for the Milwaukee Admirals, have been much less exciting.

The 2019-20 season saw him put up 21 goals and 36 points in 63 games. Though that total is disappointing, it is too early to count him out yet. Another season like that however could see him drop off this list completely.