Nashville Predators: Five Key Prospects to Watch at Rookie Camp
By Chad Minton
Philip Tomasino, C/W, 2019 1st-round pick
Aside from Eeli Tolvanen, it’s been awhile since a Predators prospect has built this much excitement to make their NHL debut. Philip Tomasino is right on the cusp of making that NHL splash, but unfortunately I’m not betting on him starting right away in the first game.
However, Tomasino does have this opportunity at rookie camp to really shine and impress coaches even more than he already has. All eyes are naturally going to be on what Tomasino can do against other competition.
Tomasino is just beyond his years in terms of all-around offensive play. He’s such a smooth skater entering the zone, moves the puck effortlessly, has a great shot and just looks like a smart hockey player. All the traits you are thrilled to see from a guy who just turned 20-years-old in July.
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Even if Tomasino has a subpar rookie camp showing, he’s still on track to eventually make his Predators debut this season. Maybe a little more time in the AHL can benefit him at the start, but I’m already on record of saying start him in the season-opener. Let’s see how he performs against other prospects this weekend, first.
Tomasino has flourished on every level of hockey he’s every seemed to play in, and there’s no reason to expect anything different in the prospect showcase this weekend in Tampa.