The Penguins announced on day one of Free Agency that they have re-signed Philip Tomasino to a one year contract with an AAV of $1.75 Million which is an $925,000 increase from his previous contract. His projection for his new contract was sitting around $1.43, so the penguins did some tidy work getting him cheap on a prove it deal with the new coaching system inbound.
After being traded to the Penguins from Nashville mid-season he finished the season off with 10 goals, 11 assists, finishing the season with 21 points.
Why this is an underrated good signing by Kyle Dubas
With a brand new coaching philosophy and system coming in, this is Tomasino's chance to establish himself as a key player for the Penguins at 23 years old which fuels the Penguins youth movement as they move into the new era.
Getting Tomasino signed a little over his projection is more than fair, if he doesn't pan out, the contract is still moveable and can be traded to start somewhere else, however if he breaks out and thrives under this new coaching scheme, it could look like an absolute steal for the Penguins who would have him under contract for still under two million AAV and could look to extend him long term, depending on how he performs on this one year prove me deal.
Philip Tomasino, signed 1x$1.75M by PIT, is a bottom six offensive winger. #LetsGOPens pic.twitter.com/VkdyJKOOGs
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 1, 2025
Why the Penguins didn't over Tomasino a Qualifying Offer
The main reason Dubas didn't offer Philip Tomasino a qualifying offer was so he could sign him at a cheaper contract and save some cap to bring in more players in free agency. If the Penguins qualify offered Tomasino, he most likely would have taken Pittsburgh to arbitration so he could get more money onto his contract. Penguins fan can all agree that the news of him not being qualified was shocking but with him now signed, you can now relax knowing he's sticking around for a little bit longer.
This move continues to implicate to all young players around the NHL, Kyle Dubas is willing to give you a fresh start and give you a chance to be successful in this league. Tomasino is a prime example of that and we will see Kyle do more of these signing's as we proceed more into free agency and the off-season,
Tomasino will most likely be on the third line as he continues to move up and down the lineup to establish himself as a Top 9 player in the lineup for the Penguins.
Two goals in his first three games for the Penguins.
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) December 1, 2024
Take a bow, Philip Tomasino! pic.twitter.com/0cYBAHfmfc
Let's see what Kyle Dubas has up his sleeve as free agency rolls on and a key off-season for the Penguins continue.