The Nashville Predators took a swing in the first round of the 2014 draft, opting to select Swiss winger Kevin Fiala 11th overall. Ringing in at an undersized 5’10, 187 lbs., the hope was that the youngster could utilize his explosive offensive abilities in a league that is quickly transitioning from size to speed.
History tells us this story: Fiala was hoping to make the NHL roster entering last season, but failed to make the cut. He appeared in only 5 games with the Nashville Predators, registering a single point- his first career NHL goal.
Spending essentially his entire season at the AHL level, Fiala led the Milwaukee Admirals in scoring, notching 50 points (18 goals, 32 assists) in 66 games.