"The attraction to him was his goal-scoring ability," Predators assistant general manager Paul Fenton said. "It's so hard to find natural goal scorers and the way Eeli releases the puck was the big attraction.
"There aren't many guys in the NHL that can score from the top of the circle with a shot off the rush. It's a rarity in our game right now. We like the accuracy, the velocity and release he has. It gives him the potential to be able to score in a variety of ways once he does turn professional."
The Predators had no problem with Tolvanen's decision to play for Jokerit in the KHL this season to continue his development after plans of attending Boston College didn't work out.
"I can't speak to why he wasn't drafted until No. 30, so was I surprised? Absolutely," said Craig Button, TSN director of scouting and former NHL general manager. "The Predators are unbelievably fortunate to get him."
Fenton said the Predators have been watching with great enthusiasm the development of their top prospect this season.
"We'll certainly entertain (the option of having him play with the Predators) at the end of the year when he's done with the KHL season," Fenton said. "Our intention is to have him come over here as soon as possible."
If his first stop isn't with the Predators, it likely will be with their American Hockey League affiliate in Milwaukee.
"I think I'm ready to play in the NHL," Tolvanen said. "I think the KHL has helped improve my game and I've watched and played against good players like Ilya Kovalchuk and Pavel Datsyuk. It's easier to make the transition back to North America if that's the decision."
Tolvanen had a goal and five assists in five games for Finland at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship, and was an offensive threat each time he stepped on the ice. He hit the goalpost numerous times.
"Getting drafted late motivated me; I was kind of getting frustrated because it was late in the first round, but it doesn't matter anymore because Nashville is the best place to play hockey," Tolvanen said. "The team and the fans are great. I'm pumped to go there as soon as possible."
Tolvanen was selected in the first round (No. 17) of the 2016 Canadian Hockey League import draft by Oshawa of the Ontario Hockey League but chose to play two seasons in Sioux City of the United States Hockey League.