Kevin Fiala

[loco man]

So, will a 1/3 year in the AHL as well as offseason and training camp be enough to get him aclimatized?

I think the Preds brought him over with that intention. If the plan was a full year in the the AHL next season, they likley would have let him finish off the season in the SEL (given the controversy and resistence to let him go). Im sure they won't hesitate to keep him down, but won't stop him if he was able to step right in next year.

EDIT: Couldn't bear seeing him on the wire in my 20 team points only dynasty and snapped him off the wire. Kinda surprised he wasn't owned given that we have lots of rebuilders, but I'll sure take it. I'm pencilling him in the lineup next season. Here's hopin'

[franklin]

I'm a Fiala owner and I hope to see him in the NHL at the end of 2015-2016. I would be very surprise if he is in the NHL at the beginning of next year.

[franklin]

9pts in 12GP with the Admirals...not bad

[VincentVega]

I'm a Fiala owner and I hope to see him in the NHL at the end of 2015-2016. I would be very surprise if he is in the NHL at the beginning of next year.

Why would you be very surprised at that?

[vandalay]

9pts in 12GP with the Admirals...not bad

Yep, 0.75 PPG is really good, especially considering that the Admirals' leading point-getter this season is Arvidsson who is putting up 0.78 PPG.

It would not surprise me at all to see Fiala in the Preds lineup next fall. If he doesn't make it he would be called up in no time, I would bet.

[franklin]

Why would you be very surprised at that?

Because not a lot of prospect with Fiala pedigree (and size) jump in the NHL at 19. And the Preds does'nt need to rush him if they re-sign Fisher and Ribeiro. Top 6: Neal, Ribeiro (UFA), Wilson, Forsberg, Fisher (UFA) and Smith.

In conclusion, I will be happy, but very surprise if he begins in the NHL next year. I could see him receive the same treatment than Forsberg. A cup of coffee next year and full-time in 2016-2017.

[Bazz]

Can I just point out the only thing I hate about Fiala is that one strip of tape on the blade. Looks so 12 year oldish.

[VincentVega]

Because not a lot of prospect with Fiala pedigree (and size) jump in the NHL at 19. And the Preds does'nt need to rush him if they re-sign Fisher and Ribeiro. Top 6: Neal, Ribeiro (UFA), Wilson, Forsberg, Fisher (UFA) and Smith.

In conclusion, I will be happy, but very surprise if he begins in the NHL next year. I could see him receive the same treatment than Forsberg. A cup of coffee next year and full-time in 2016-2017.

Cool, thanks for your thoughts. Yeah, I can see Fiala follow a similar progression to Forsberg's, although I believe he's already fast-tracked his transition to N.A. Didn't Forsberg play a full season in Sweden the year after his draft?

[loco man]

Another G tonight

[franklin]

Cool, thanks for your thoughts. Yeah, I can see Fiala follow a similar progression to Forsberg's, although I believe he's already fast-tracked his transition to N.A. Didn't Forsberg play a full season in Sweden the year after his draft?

Forsberg played a full season in Sweden the year after the draft yep. And 5 GP with the Preds at the end of the season. Last year 13GP with the Preds and 47Gp with the Admirals.


Take it with a grain of salt, but here is a comment from an HFBoard user who live in Sweden:


In my opinion this move is driven by Kevin himself. It has been quite obvious he has an attitude problem and a hard time taking coaching or even feedback from fellow players.

HV is my local team, I see them live about 15-20 times per year and there is definetly some issues here, and I dont have to be in the room to see that.

Andreas Johansson is a no nonsense coach, everyone works in HV, or you do not play. Regardless if you have top talent skillsets or not.

I think Kevin Fiala is a extremely talanted hockeyplayer, some of the things he does with the puck just makes you question if you really saw what you just saw. And he does it with speed. Now if he could just learn to pass the puck once in a while he'd be a threat in any league. I assume the attitude will change with maturity, because right now Kevin Fiala is one childish 18 year old.

Maybe they bring him to make sure he learn how to be more disciplined and professional?

[bigs_biggie]

Forsberg played a full season in Sweden the year after the draft yep. And 5 GP with the Preds at the end of the season. Last year 13GP with the Preds and 47Gp with the Admirals.


Take it with a grain of salt, but here is a comment from an HFBoard user who live in Sweden:


In my opinion this move is driven by Kevin himself. It has been quite obvious he has an attitude problem and a hard time taking coaching or even feedback from fellow players.

HV is my local team, I see them live about 15-20 times per year and there is definetly some issues here, and I dont have to be in the room to see that.

Andreas Johansson is a no nonsense coach, everyone works in HV, or you do not play. Regardless if you have top talent skillsets or not.

I think Kevin Fiala is a extremely talanted hockeyplayer, some of the things he does with the puck just makes you question if you really saw what you just saw. And he does it with speed. Now if he could just learn to pass the puck once in a while he'd be a threat in any league. I assume the attitude will change with maturity, because right now Kevin Fiala is one childish 18 year old.

Maybe they bring him to make sure he learn how to be more disciplined and professional?

Damn as a Fiala owner that has me a little worried. Thanks for sharing

[BDog]

I wouldn't worry too much.

First of all, I doubt Fiala is calling the shots here and this has to be the Preds wanting him to play a North American game and making the necessary adjustments to his game without the puck.

Secondly, the Preds locker room has some great leadership in Shea Weber that will help him mature.

Way, way too early to be calling this kid a problem child based on some hfboard opinion.

Fiala stock is rising and that is evident in how well he is seeming to adjust to the North American game and producing right out of the gate in the AHL. I think all the evidence points to his game just being ready for the next step on his way to being a top six NHL regular and that is why he is here.

[loco man]

Have to say, that quote gave me a some pause as well. Funny how fleeting hope/doubt can be.

As awesome as his excellent transition to the NA game is re his chances of making the NHL, I did begin to wonder if there is a downside to things coming so quickly for him in the AHL. If there are concerns with his maturity, I wonder if he thinks he's "got this" already and that he may think a spot on the Preds will be handed to him. All total speculation of course, it will be interesting to see how things play out.

Having said that, I still agree with the above, all indications are that he is on track to be an impact NHLer, as soon as possibly next year. I don't discount the quote from the Hf poster though and his attitute is something to keep an eye on, but more out of interest than concern at this point.

Has there been any quotes from the coach or players or anyone about Fiala's transition, attitute, etc., since his arrival?

[franklin]

I don't have any reliable link but I've read some rumors that he showed late to practise a couple of times with HV71. They made him a healthy scratch for at least one game.

But he's young and will learn to be a pro. The Preds have a good leadership group and it will help him a lot. I'm not worry about him playing in the NHL.

[VincentVega]

Another goal and assist tonight. He's up to 12 points in 14 games.