Predators mailbag: Can Eeli Tolvanen contribute to Nashville's playoff run?

Throughout the NHL season, I will take your Predators questions. To have yours answered, send them via Twitter to @AdamVingan or email avingan@tennessean.com.

Do you think Eeli Tolvanen will play with the Predators this year? If so, will he be able to contribute? — @alexsherman56

The Predators have been open about their interest in luring Tolvanen, 18, to the NHL at the conclusion of his KHL season, which could range from early March to late April depending on how far his team advances in the playoffs. 

Nashville has maintained regular dialogue with Tolvanen's representation.

"Could we have something there?" Predators general manager David Poile recently told columnist Joe Rexrode. "Could it be as soon as this year? I’d like to leave open all possibilities for that to happen.”

Tolvanen signing a three-year, entry-level contract would be a cheaper alternative to trading for one of the established scoring wingers believed to be available before the Feb. 26 deadline. Sportsnet reported Saturday evening that the Predators don't intend to offer Tolvanen as part of a potential trade, though that should come as no surprise. 

If Tolvanen does join the Predators, then expectations would need to be tempered. His impact probably wouldn't be significant, at least not immediately. Players previously in Tolvanen’s position, however, have contributed to playoff teams. 

The most recent example involves Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy, who signed his entry-level contract last April and debuted in the playoffs. He had three assists in six first-round games. New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider did the same in 2012, scoring five goals in 18 postseason games. 

What's the biggest area of concern for the Predators moving forward? — @jcapsu44

At the moment, it's their habit of falling behind by multiple goals. Nashville has trailed by at least two goals five times in the past seven games. To place that into context, the Predators experienced 13 multi-goal deficits through their first 50 games.

The Predators have trailed for nearly half of their total game time in the past seven games (217:58 of 438:01), according to naturalstattrick.com. By constantly playing from behind, the Predators can't impose their preferred style of play, which they've also gotten away from. 

"I think when we're at our best, we get pucks deep, our forwards are forechecking," Predators captain Roman Josi said. "It's so hard for other teams to break out. We have zone time. We have a lot of pressure. We're doing that a little inconsistently right now." 

Overall, the Predators’ even-strength offense has hovered around average this season. The team struggles to generate scoring chances (25th before Sunday's games) and high-danger shot attempts (26th). Much of the Predators’ offense originates from the outside on point shots from the team's defensemen. 

Nashville's power play is sputtering (4.3 percent since Feb. 5), so the team must find other avenues to create offense. 

More:Predators fall behind early to Red Wings, suffer second consecutive regulation loss

Mike Fisher's spot in the lineup — where do you see him and when do you? — @suspectcabbage 

Fisher should be the Predators' fourth-line center. He'd be best used as a defensive specialist at even strength who also could pitch in on special teams. The Predators' stacked center depth won't require Fisher to do too much. 

The Predators are targeting an early March debut for Fisher, who must be under contract by Feb. 26 in order to play this season. Roster limits disappear on that date, so the Predators probably will wait until then to sign him. 

Reach Adam Vingan at avingan@tennessean.com and on Twitter @AdamVingan.

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