Biggest Potential Breakout Player in 2nd Half
You can make arguments for a few players who can potentially break out in the second half of the season, but I'm going with Philip Tomasino simply because the guy is putting in the work and doing the right things.
Ever since Tomasino was in danger of completely falling out of the lineup, he has gradually turned a corner and showing confidence in his skating and puck movement.
Tomasino has gotten the fewest amount of ice time among current Predators forwards with the exception of Michael McCarron and Cody Glass, and yet he's still making a noticeable impact on the team.
It feels like a it's a matter of time until Tomasino begins seeing the puck bounce his way and he starts scoring more regularly. If I'm Head Coach Andrew Brunette, I'm entertaining the idea of moving Tomasino out of the bottom six and onto the second line for a few games. Give him more ice time and see what he produces with Tommy Novak at center, and Juuso Parssinen on the other wing.
This potential second line of Tomasino, Novak and Parssinen is hopefully your future. These young guys have chemistry already together, and I don't agree with breaking them up and leaving Tomasino on the bottom line.
Tomasino also needs to find more success on the Predators' second power play unit. This is another area he can show improvement in for the second half of the season and see his offensive numbers increase.
Even with fourth line minutes, Tomasino is still averaging right at his three-year career average in points per game. Give him more ice time and better linemates and his offense should spike.