Fiala is perhaps the most exciting member of the Wild's offense after scoring 23 goals and 31 assists in 64 games last year. That career-best production was propped up by a 13.1 shooting percentage and ample power-play time. Still, the Swiss winger showed a lot of chemistry with Eric Staal, who perhaps to his detriment, was traded to the Sabres in the offseason. Fiala will need to show he's not just a one-trick pony in 2020-21 -- his ability to mesh with new linemates will go far in determining his success. Nonetheless, he'll have the support of new head coach Dean Evason, which will make Fiala a solid middle-round option in standard fantasy formats, especially given his scoring success over the last three years.
New general manager Paul Fenton shook up his roster quite a bit in his first season at the helm, most notably shipping Mikael Granlund to Nashville in exchange for Fiala. After all, Fenton was the one that drafted the 22-year-old in 2014 during his time with the Predators and seems to be enamored with the winger. Fiala played 83 games between Nashville and Minnesota, racking up 13 goals and 39 points in the process last season. Considering the confidence the team has in him, Fiala should be given every opportunity to see premium ice time in the top six and on the power play during the 2019-20 campaign. Most known for his speed, Fiala could be a trendy breakout candidate for next season in an advantageous environment.
With 48 points (23 goals, 25 assists) and a shiny plus-20 rating, Fiala truly broke out last season, and it marked a huge step forward from his 16-point rookie season the year before. A key factor behind Fiala's growth was the arrival of Kyle Turris via trade from the Senators, as Fiala and Turris teamed with Craig Smith to form a very formidable second line. How big a part did Turris play in Fiala's banner season? Consider this: Fiala had just seven points in 14 games prior to Turris' arrival in November. With Turris? 41 points in 66 games, including 23 goals and nine points on the power play. At just 22 years old, Fiala's development is still on the upswing, so there's plenty of room for additional growth on his part. Don't be surprised if the Swiss national takes a run at 60 points in the upcoming season – it's well within his reach.
Expectations were high for Fiala last season after he made the Opening Night roster. After all, the 19-year-old had put up 50 points in 66 games the previous season at AHL Milwaukee, and the Preds were looking for someone who could complement Ryan Johansen and Filip Forsberg on their first line. However, Fiala suffered the usual first-year rookie jitters and wound up getting shuttled back and forth between Nashville and Milwaukee on more than one occasion, finishing the regular season with just 16 points in 57 games. In the playoffs, Fiala’s season came to an abrupt end in Round 2 after he suffered a broken leg in Game 1 against St. Louis. However, as a 21-year-old with notable draft pedigree and offensive upside, Fiala should take on an expanded role (potentially on the second line) in 2017-18, which will likely result in an uptick in fantasy relevance. He makes for an intriguing speculative pick late in drafts.
Fiala was the leading scorer at AHL Milwaukee last season with 50 points in 66 games, and is expected to get a long look at the Preds' training camp this fall. Whether he cracks the roster this season or next, it's just a matter of time before he becomes a full-time player in the NHL. Offensively, Fiala is the total package. He can play both the playmaker role as well as score goals. He has great hockey sense, sees the ice well, has a quick release, soft hands and exceptional speed. Don't be surprised if he lands a roster spot right out of training camp this year.
Fiala made his professional debut in 2014-15, skating in one NHL game and notching 11 goals and 20 points in 33 contests with AHL Milwaukee. The 19-year-old is a flashy skater who has crafty hands and excellent puck control, making him a promising offensive winger. He could make the Preds’ roster out of training camp, but with the top-six ranks seemingly chock full, it might be better for Fiala to open the season with Milwaukee, where he'll get top-line minutes and power-play time. That should leave him well prepared to assume a meaningful role with the Predators when an injury might necessitate his promotion to the big club. He makes for a top-notch dynasty league stash.
Fiala, the No. 11 overall pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, certainly turns heads with his offensive skills -- he’s smart, quick and can dangle with the best. And he plays with an ultra-competitive edge that gives opponents fits. But that competitiveness sometimes morphs into stupidity, plunking his skinny butt (5-foot-10, 180 lbs.) squarely in the sin bin. He needs to improve his defensive game and learn to control his emotions. But if he can, he could be the next Brad Marchand or Brendan Gallagher, though likely not for a few years. Fiala has impressed during his first training camp in Nashville, but the team will probably want him to hone his development overseas before turning him loose with the parent club.
