Friday, July 25, 2014

30 Teams in 30 Days - Nashville Predators

Only one OHL prospect for the Nashville Predators

Mikko Vainonen - Kingston Frontenacs
Vainonen had a decent year with Kingston. On paper, it looks like a pretty stagnant year, but there's more to it than that. While his offensive game did not take any steps forward, I did feel that his defensive game did. For one, he looked a little quicker and more mobile. It's clear he's been working on his skating. He still needs to continue to improve it, but it's getting better. Vainonen was also way more confident in asserting himself physically. He was much more aggressive in the corners and was more effective in crease battles. He's a got a solid head for the game as a defensive player and could have a future as a shutdown defender at the NHL level if he continues to improve his skating and his puck skills. He'll start his pro career in Milwaukee this year. I think a realistic goal is for him to just get in games consistently in Milwaukee and stay out of the press box.

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