Predators prospect Eeli Tolvanen parts with KHL team

Eeli Tolvanen and his KHL team agreed to terminate his contract Monday, clearing the way for him to join the Predators.

The dynamic forward prospect is scheduled to fly to North America on Wednesday, a Jokerit spokesman told The Tennessean. The Predators will update his status Tuesday.

Tolvanen's KHL contract included a clause that allowed him to opt out of the deal after one season. Based on the NHL's collective bargaining agreement, Nashville can offer Tolvanen a three-year, entry-level contract.

The Predators have seven more games, the first of which is Tuesday against the Minnesota Wild at Bridgestone Arena (7 p.m., Fox TN).

If Tolvanen signs with the Predators as planned, then it would be reasonable to expect him to make his NHL debut before the Stanley Cup playoffs begin April 11.

Tolvanen, 18, could dress in up to nine games this season without burning the first year of his contract. Playoff games count toward that total.

More: Eeli Tolvanen's KHL season ends, freeing him to sign with Nashville

Reach Adam Vingan at avingan@tennessean.com and on Twitter @AdamVingan.