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Kevin Fiala, LW/RW |
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Shoots: L |
Height: 5-10 |
Weight: 194 |
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Born: 1996-07-22 |
Hometown: Switzerland |
Drafted: 2014 by Nashville Predators, 11th overall |
Observations:
May 2017 – After a promising start to the playoffs, Fiala was injured in game one against the St. Louis Blues. He had a surgery to repair his fractured left femur. That means he should be ready when the training camp starts, but his summer training will possibly be shorter than usually. During the regular season, Fiala had 16 points, 11 goals and five assists in 54 games played. That’s roughly a 25 points, 173 shots and 67 hits pace, for 82 games. His time on ice and games played increased nicely from last season and should continue to trend in that direction. Advanced stats shows that he can handle the position he was at during the regular season. In the playoffs Fiala scored two goals in five games, including a game winner against the Blackhawks in game three of their first round sweep. His time on ice didn’t drop during the playoffs. Nashville has some UFA’s to sign this summer, including Ryan Johansen. Right now I’m guessing FIala will get a chance to play in the top-six, at least middle-six with secondary powerplay time. Niko Salminen
November 2016 – Fiala was assigned to the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL on Nov. 8. In 10 games with Nashville, he scored two goals and had a minus-1 rating. He played most of his minutes against the top checking lines with Ryan Johansen and Filip Forsberg, but wasn’t deployed on the PP or the PK in his last four games. He did get some PK time in his first six games and a short look on the PP on his two-goal night Oct. 22. The Predators seem to be taking the same approach with him as with many previous prospects in their system. There are areas in his game that still need work and he is being sent down to work on them. The Predators have no reason to rush Fiala, who scored in his first game back with the Admirals. Niko Salminen
May 2016 – It looked like it would be a quick jump to the NHL for Fiala after impressing in the 2014 training camp. But, typical of most young players, consistency issues arose and Fiala has had to work out the kinks in lower levels. He did stay in North America for the entire 2015-16 season and led the Admirals in points with 50 (in 66 games). He got into five games with the Preds and scored in his first one (on his first shot), but after that his ice time quickly dwindled and he was pretty much just a spare part for the last two. Fiala is not yet ready. He needs to not only become more aware defensively, but his highly-touted offense needs to make more of an impression. Dobber
October 2014 – Fiala has been loaned back to HV71 of the SHL. After posting strong stats last year in limited games, Fiala should be looked upon to shoulder a heavier offensive load. Donesh Mazloum
July 2014 – Fiala signed a three year entry level contract with the Predators. Donesh Mazloum
June 2014 – The Nashville Predators selected Kevin Fiala 11th overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Brendan Ross
May 2014 – Pushing his way up the draft rankings is Kevin Fiala, a dynamic Swiss-born forward with game-breaking offensive talents. Attacking through the neutral zone with sharp edges and quick feet, Fiala is a dangerous forward inside the offensive blueline with his ability to dangle his way to the net showcasing his quick puck skills. He’s not overly big but his skating does feature elements of elusiveness and that will bode well for his future. He led the Switzerland at the 2014 Under-18 World Championships and finished as one of the tournament leaders with four goals and nine points in five games. Graduating to Sweden’s top league (SHL), Fiala transitioned very nicely with HV71 tallying 11 points in 17 games with the big club Fiala is expected to be a late 1st round to second round selection at the 2014 NHL Draft. Brendan Ross
Fantasy Outlook: B+
Top-end skater with top-six upside as a hard-working skilled winger. Needs to become more well-rounded before earning trust as a full-time NHLer.
Footage:
Fiala scored twice Oct. 22 against Pittsburgh.
Kevin Fiala SHL Highlights:
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