Fiala Knows Development is Part of the Process

The first time he was reassigned to Milwaukee, forward Kevin Fiala's mind stayed in Nashville.
How could it not?
He was a 2014 first-round pick, after all, one who wanted to live up to his own high expectations.
How, he wondered, had he failed to make the Predators' roster out of training camp in 2015? How could he help prove his worth on the NHL level when he'd been assigned to Milwaukee of the American Hockey League?

"I wasn't angry at anybody else," Fiala told reporters last season. "Just me."
The frustration and disappointment of Fiala - just 19 years old at the time - were predictable, as was his sluggish start for the Admirals: He didn't score for the first 11 games and posted a -8 rating through his first nine games. Eventually, Fiala bounced back, piling up 18 goals in his final 39 games for Milwaukee and finishing with 50 points in 66 contests.
Still, it was easy to wonder what might happen last month when Fiala - who'd made the Predators' roster in training camp - was once again assigned to Milwaukee, this time after the first 10 games of the season. The Preds felt he could benefit from a little more seasoning, a little boost to his confidence.
But would frustration follow once more?
The 20-year-old Fiala quickly showed it would not.
He not only chipped in immediately in Milwaukee, posting eight points in seven games, but earned a quick recall to Nashville. Fiala has maintained momentum on the NHL level since returning a couple weeks ago as well, as he's recorded three goals, one assist and a +1 rating in seven games.
"The one thing that stands out for me was just his work on the puck," Predators Head Coach Peter Laviolette said earlier in the week. "He was moving his feet, looked to make plays, was quick to support plays, was quick to get to areas."

So, why did the most recent trip to Milwaukee serve to fuel Fiala, as opposed to frustrate him?
Admirals coach Dean Evason said he didn't necessarily see a radically different player this time around, but did notice a few changes in Fiala. Perhaps the most important, Evason said, was a more positive attitude.
"When you go back to the time that Kevin was here before, there were several teaching situations as far as growing up and being a pro," Evason said. "This last time, we may have had one situation that had to be tweaked. After that, he skated, he worked and he played the game the right kind of way.
"I think it's simply maturity. He's growing up. He's still young, although we've seen him for a while. But it's just a matter of maturity, and then having the mindset to use your time here to your benefit."
What also helped Fiala in his most recent trip to Milwaukee was the realization that he isn't the only highly talented player - nor will he be the last - to hone his skills on the AHL level before making a regular contribution on the NHL level.
For example, Predators forward Austin Watson, like Fiala, a first-round pick, spent three full seasons in Milwaukee before breaking into the Nashville lineup regularly in 2015-16. He was sent to Milwaukee again this year at the end of camp - even exposed to waivers - but has battled his way back to the NHL after working hard in the AHL.
"I think everybody's first thought is they want to be in the NHL, and anytime you're not, it can be frustrating," Watson said. "But you have to control the things you can. Your play and the way you carry yourself is in your control. Kevin's done a great job of that this year, just sticking with the plan and having a great attitude no matter where he is."

Fiala's Swiss countryman, Roman Josi, offered Fiala similar advice. A second-round pick, Josi spent one full season in Milwaukee and began a second year there before getting promoted.
"A lot of guys - almost everybody - went up [to the NHL] and down [to the AHL]," Fiala said. "Josi told me that you go down there because it's part of the process. He really helps me understand. I listen to him, of course, because I think he's the best guy on this team and he was down there, too. He went through it, so he understands."
The good news for the Predators is that Fiala, this time, appears to have made the most of his short stint in Milwaukee.
His three goals over the past seven NHL games are tied for first on the Predators and his four points during that stretch are tied for third. It appears Fiala has taken another step on the developmental ladder.
"I went down and worked hard and got my confidence back," Fiala said. "When I came back up [to the NHL], I told myself to try to do the same things as I did down there. For now, it works, and hopefully it will continue."