Pittsburgh Penguins forward Philip Tomasino is set for another contract year in the 2025-26 season. He had one year remaining on his deal starting with the 2024-25 season before being traded from the Nashville Predators to the Penguins last November.
Tomasino recorded just one assist in 11 games for the Predators but managed 11 goals and 23 points in 50 games with Pittsburgh. Throughout the season, he moved up and down the lineup, experiencing a mix of good and poor stretches.
He had a strong start with four points in the first five games, including three goals, but then went through a six-game slump. This pattern of inconsistency continued despite some time spent as the second-line center alongside Evgeni Malkin. Together, they shared 250:33 minutes on ice at 5v5, producing mixed results with a 48.2% Corsi For percentage and around 50% in scoring chances and expected goals.
Tomasino has enjoyed playing with Malkin, reflecting their positive moments early in the season. “I think we just really complement each other well,” Tomasino said.
Penguins head coach Dan Muse may look to increase their ice time together, but Tomasino needs to earn more minutes given his current performance. The team has yet to finalize the status of Rickard Rakell and Brian Rust, adding uncertainty to the lineup.
The Penguins’ roster still features stars like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin in top-six roles, while competition for the remaining spots is fierce. Players including Tomasino, Anthony Mantha, Tommy Novak, Rutger McGroarty, and Vilko Koivunen are all vying for these positions. McGroarty and Koivunen impressed in late 2024-25 runs and could see time alongside Crosby and Malkin, potentially becoming full-time NHL players.
If Tomasino misses out on a top-six spot at the start of the season, he could still secure a third-line role with Novak. The two former Predators teammates showed solid chemistry, sharing 67:50 minutes at 5v5 in 2023-24 with strong possession and scoring chance percentages.
Tomasino’s three power-play goals last season make him a strong candidate for the Penguins’ second power-play unit again. His quick release is effective across the offensive zone, and he has a knack for clutch scoring. For example, he scored the Penguins’ game-winning goal in six games last year, second only to Crosby, who led the team with 33 goals and 91 points in 80 games, marking his third 90+ point season despite being in his 30s.
Looking ahead to 2025-26, Tomasino signed a one-year, $1.75 million contract on July 1 after initially becoming an unrestricted free agent when the Penguins did not qualify him. Despite reaching free agency, he chose to return to Pittsburgh, signing alongside another player for $1.1 million.
After the upcoming season, Tomasino will again be a restricted free agent. Unless the Penguins extend a qualifying offer, he will control his own rights next summer. Should he improve his consistency, Pittsburgh might pursue a longer-term deal, especially as he is only 24. The team aims for young players like Tomasino to take significant strides at the NHL level and is prepared to invest given their over $40 million in cap space next summer. While rebuilding, they plan to spend wisely without risking cap floor issues.
General manager Kyle Dubas is closely monitoring Tomasino’s development this season.
—
Fan Take: Tomasino’s progression is crucial for the Penguins as they balance youth development with veteran presence during their rebuild. For hockey fans, his potential rise could symbolize the next wave of talent poised to shape the future of one of the NHL’s storied franchises.
