2. Philip Tomasino
Though it is still very early, the Nashville Predators look like they have a potential First Round steal in Philip Tomasino, who they grabbed with the 24th pick at the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. The 19-year-old forward has improved a great deal throughout his three seasons to this point in the OHL.
During his rookie season, he had five goals and 24 points in 61 games with the Niagara IceDogs. The following season, which was his Draft year, he showed his true talent, registering 34 goals and 72 points in 67 games.
Tomasino started his 2019-20 season out fantastically with the IceDogs, with 22 goals and 57 points in 36 games. After that start, he was dealt to the Oshawa Generals, where his great totals continued with another 18 goals and 43 points in 26 games. The 100-point season caught the attention of many, including the coaching staff of Team Canada for the upcoming World Juniors.
Barring an absolute shocker, Tomasino will make the team and will likely play a huge role for them down the stretch, while he could be a real compelling prospect to keep an eye on for the Nashville Predators down the line.
1. Yaroslav Askarov
With their long-time franchise goaltender Pekka Rinne on the back nine of his career, the Nashville Predators decided to use their 11th overall pick at the 2020 NHL Entry Draft on what they hope to be their goalie of the future in Yaroslav Askarov.
The 18-year-old netminder comes in with a ton of hype, as many have said he is the best goalie taken in the first-round since Carey Price, who went fifth overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. While that is a lot of pressure, Askarov seems more than ready to live up to those lofty expectations.
This season, Askarov has appeared in seven KHL games with St. Petersburg SKA and has been absolutely lights out, posting a 0.96 GAA along with a .962 SV%. Those numbers obviously aren’t sustainable, but it goes to show how talented Askarov is.
He will get the chance to represent Team Russia for the second year in a row at the World Juniors, and will be looking for revenge after losing in the Gold Medal game to Team Canada in last year’s tournament. Regardless of how the tournament goes for him, he looks like he has the potential to become a truly elite NHL goalie in the future.
If the Nashville Predators can right the ship and maximise the plethora of offensive talent they have, then they could re-open their Stanley Cup window in a few years once Yaroslav Askarov is ready to take the NHL by storm.