© Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY SportsJun 21, 2019; Philip Tomasino after being selected as the No. 24 overall pick to the Nashville Predators in the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena.
Philip Tomasino feels he is ready to play in the NHL. But for now, he'll be suiting up against 46 other top prospects at the Team Canada World Junior Championship selection camp. Tomasino has been loaned to Team Canada, a move that will happen for many more prospects over the coming hours and days as the young players get ready for a month-long camp that will determine the tournament roster.
Tomasino, 19, was the 24th overall pick in 2019 and is coming off an incredible 100-point season in the OHL. Earlier this summer and before the 2020 draft, Scott Wheeler of The Athletic ranked Tomasino as the 20th-best drafted prospect in the entire league. Wheeler explained that the "result is likely a top of the lineup player and dynamic power play option who is equal parts scorer and playmaker." Not bad for a late-first, but exactly what the Predators need as they look to find a real star to build their forward group around.
© Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY SportsJun 21, 2019; Philip Tomasino after being selected as the No. 24 overall pick to the Nashville Predators in the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena.
That said, even with his excellent season and strong development, Tomasino is not a lock to make the Canadian roster. The forward group that has been invited to camp is incredible, with names like Kirby Dach, Dylan Cozens, Quinton Byfield and Connor McMichael all expected to take huge roles on the team. This will be Tomasino's final chance to make the team and a great place for him to show he's ready for the next step, but he'll have to battle with some very talented prospects for the limited available spots.
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