Philip Tomasino sees breakout role with Pittsburgh Penguins in youth-oriented rebuild

Philip Tomasino hopes to cement his NHL career with the Pittsburgh Penguins as the team makes a shift toward a younger, quicker core. Acquired from the Nashville Predators in late 2024, Philip Tomasino is a 24-year-old winger who is among general manager Kyle Dubas' calculated signings designed to add youthful energy to a roster still spearheaded by veterans Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

Now at a critical juncture, Philip Tomasino is looking to transition from a depth contributor to a consistent middle-six scorer.

Philip Tomasino arrives in Pittsburgh Penguins at critical career turning points

When the Pittsburgh Penguins sent a 2027 fourth-round draft pick to the Nashville Predators for Philip Tomasino, the trade seemed like a low-risk, high-reward gamble. For an organization that has attempted too many times to balance its legendary veteran core with sustained roster building, having a 23-year-old former first-round pick fall into their lap was Kyle Dubas' rebuild prototype to a T. Philip Tomasino signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins in November 2024 and was plugged into the NHL lineup right away. There being a depth issue in front, he played meaningful minutes, playing 50 games during the 2024–25 season. He scored 11 goals and 23 points, but consistency was still a problem. Philip Tomasino had three separate periods of six or more games without scoring a point—a habit that would keep him from rising the lineup if not addressed.

Competition heats up as Tomasino battles for long-term alignment in Pittsburgh Penguins' top six

Tomasino's role in the future is uncertain, partially because the Penguins have a crowded cadre of middle-six forwards. In addition to stalwarts such as Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell, the Penguins brought in Anthony Mantha, Thomas Novak, Rutger McGroarty, and Ville Koivunen, all of whom are competing for scarce minutes alongside Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. While the Penguins would like to shed cap space and perhaps part ways with veteran wingers Rust and Rakell, a window of opportunity can create itself.

But Tomasino has to show he can do it consistently to gain a top-six spot. His one-year, $1.75 million deal is a "show-me" situation—he's a restricted free agent in the offseason and must have a solid season to find a long-term spot in the Penguins' plans. Kyle Dubas has made it plain that the Penguins are building for the future. The team added three forwards in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft recently and owns 17 picks in rounds one through three in the next three drafts.

There is no mistaking the message: competition will only increase, and Tomasino must adapt beyond being a streaky scorer if he wants to stay in the mix.Also Read: NHL Trade Rumors: Kyle Connor likely to re-sign as Winnipeg Jets pursue long-term contract extension amid NHL free agency buzzPhilip Tomasino heads into the 2025–26 NHL season with more chances than ever, but with more stress. If he can monetize raw talent regularly, he has a true opportunity to find a permanent role with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Surrounded by some of the best in the game and up-and-coming rivals as well, this season may set Tomasino's course in the league. All indications presently are for a make-or-break year for the young winger.