The Nashville Predators announced that the team has signed forward Egor Afanasyev to a three-year, entry-level contract. The 2019 second-round pick has been dominant so far in his first season in the OHL with the Windsor Spitfires.
Afanasyev had a solid rating before the NHL draft and wouldn’t have surprised too many people had he gone in the first round. Instead, the Predators were able to draft the 6-foot-3 left-hander with the 45th overall pick and the 18-year-old has fared well so far. After two seasons playing in the USHL, Afanasysev has moved over to the OHL where he has posted five goals and 12 points in 11 games. The 18-year-old has had an impressive week with Windsor, scoring five points over his last two games. Armed with a hard shot and the ability to dominate with his size and strength, Afanasyev could be a provide Nashville a solid power forward if he can reach expectations.
The Russian native adds to a key need for the Predators, who need to build up their pool of forward prospects. The team still has Eeli Tolvanen playing in Milwaukee of the AHL and is close to arriving to the team, but have few significant prospects that can help provide Nashville some low-cost options beyond him.