Josh Cooper

jcooper2@tennessean.com

The Predators signed 2014 first-round pick Kevin Fiala to a three-year entry-level contract on Tuesday.

The signing is not a surprise, but it does mean the 17-year-old forward could be an option to play with the Predators this season.

If he remained unsigned he probably would have returned to Sweden to play hockey there.

Fiala is considered a bit smallish in stature (5-10, 180) but is a good skater and has quick hands. The Predators hope the young Swiss forward can be a solid scorer for them in the future, but it's unclear if they see him playing for them, Milwaukee or in Sweden in 2014-15.

"He impressed with his explosive skating, great puck-handling skills and overall quickness and speed," said Goran Stubb, director of European scouting for the Predators. "He has great offensive instincts and is full of surprises in the offensive zone. He just needs a bit more muscle and strength and some work in his defensive zone."

Fiala was a finalist for the Swedish Hockey League Rookie of the Year award this year after posting 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists) in 17 games for HV71.

He is a native of St. Gallen, Switzerland.