Predators' Afanasyev is Embracing the 'Learning Curve' at the NHL Level

Rookie forward talks growth, maturity as he approaches second taste of NHL action.

Egor Afanasyev was tearing it up this season with the American Hockey League’s Milwaukee Admirals.

During Milwaukee’s active and franchise record-breaking streak – which began on Jan. 5 and is still active at 17 games – the forward recorded 20 points (8g-12a), including seven multi-point performances. 

Afanasyev finally got the call-up to the Nashville Predators on Feb. 12 alongside linemate Mark Jankowski. The pair went from leading Milwaukee’s scoring charge to being “two guys in a hotel” in Nashville, as Afanasyev put it; now, they are looking to provide a jolt to Nashville’s offense.

“Obviously, me and Janko getting called up is great for us,” Afanasyev said. “We’re going to try and have as much of an impact as we had [in Milwaukee].”