Excellent draft for the Predators
On its surface it looks like the Predators had a really solid draft. They got things started in the first round by selecting the speedster Philip Tomasino at the 24th overall pick. He’s most recently played for Niagara from the OHL, posting 72 points in just 67 games last season. Efficient production and could easily end up being a steal at pick 24. You can’t help but love the pick.
The second-round pick is just as intriguing as the Predators took Egor Afanasyev, a powerful forward with a massive 6’4″ frame. We’ll get to see his progression next season in the OHL after playing most recently in the USHL where he put up 62 points in 58 games. As his level of competition rises, let’s see if he can maintain his efficiency in a tougher league.
The Predators had eight total selections in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, with three being wingers, two centers, one goalie and two defensemen. It will take a few seasons to know how successful this draft truly is, but it looks great at the top. Tomasino and Afanasyev should climb the ranks pretty quickly and have a shot at the NHL roster following next season.