Nashville Predators: Players Who Will be Critical to the Rebuild
By Chad Minton
![Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9) talks with Predators right wing Eeli Tolvanen (11) during the first period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9) talks with Predators right wing Eeli Tolvanen (11) during the first period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/9d91a7bc5df38c49b98685846bc39fa7c13d8f1b7b6c32bc2f4e47359581e0e2.jpg)
Philip Tomasino
I saved the best for last in terms of future standouts on this team that can hopefully get the franchise to rebound quickly back into a playoff team. That’s Philip Tomasino.
Tomasino hasn’t made it to the NHL yet, and the delaying of the OHL season has made things complicated for him. Normally Tomasino wouldn’t be eligible for the AHL, and would still be dominating in the OHL.
Tomasino has dominated on every level of hockey is every played in, including the most recent World Junior Championship with Team Canada.
There’s still no official news on when and if the OHL will get a season started. They’re hoping to play in hub cities, and I’d expect Tomasino to be called back to play if that happens.
Tomasino might not get into the NHL for this current season, and that’s understood considering the complicating factors that are involved. But going into 2021-22, the Predators are going to look to elevate Tomasino into a major role on the team.
Rem Pitlick also can’t be overlooked as a future piece to this team that will be rebuilding. Pitlick has a wicked shot and speed, and he’ll be fun to watch when he eventually gets to the NHL.
Related Story. Potential Future Leadership Targets for Predators. light
These are my top pieces heading into the rebuild, and it seems like a longer list than it really is. The Predators will look vastly different by the time the offseason gets here, and also after the expansion draft.
The players just mentioned hopefully stick around and help get the Predators back to being a playoff team and Stanley Cup contender.