The Penguins need to find ways to keep the aging core happy, but also need to start constructing a younger core. As for Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Company, finding solid, supplementary talent would fill a massive void as the Penguins should look to get competitive again next season.
But it doesn’t mean they need to neglect their younger talent, especially if they can produce or play a strong role. Enter Philip Tomasino and Connor Dewar, a pair of youngsters who were in contract years this past season. While neither put up eye-popping numbers, there’s still a lot to like about this duo factoring in as core pieces of the future.
They both have different strengths, and neither saw a ton of ice time last season. But they showed more than enough to at least snag a bridge contract, which will be their respective auditions for if they’re good enough to stick around long term.
Philip Tomasino showed up in 2024-25 across 50 games
While 23 points in 50 contests is nothing to celebrate, Philip Tomasino gave the Penguins a rather balanced role. He scored 11 goals and put up a 12.6 shooting percentage across 13:27 of average total ice time. Tomasino showed potential, and he let opponents know he could bring a physical game with 53 body checks, or over one hit per game.
While the middle six is Tomasino’s likely ceiling, he’s evolving into a supplementary scorer who could end up finding the net between 15 and 20 times a season if he’s around for all 82 games. If he returned and put up 17 goals and between 35 and 40 points, that alone would show off his value.
Factor in more physical play, and the Penguins have a well-rounded forward on what would probably be the third line, or at least third-line minutes. That would go a long way in solving their potential depth issues.
Connor Dewar could be the Penguins latest sledgehammer
While Connor Dewar only saw action in 17 games last year, he showed potential, landing four goals and seven points, a 14.8 shooting percentage, and 49 hits across 14:27 of average total ice time. Dewar would be better suited for fourth-line minutes, but he proved he can play in the middle six when needed.
Still, imagine him getting between 10 and 12 minutes per game, racking up body checks, and scoring the occasional goal. Or, better yet, he can use his offensive skill-set to set up sequences for the top-liners, and that will more than prove his value to the team.
But either way, if I’m general manager Kyle Dubas and I’m looking to keep someone who can provide some energy, Connor Dewar’s not leaving town. There’s no way I’m letting someone like him go. It’s also worth mentioning that, at even strength, Dewar had an 11.7 on-ice shooting percentage, further showing he can create chances.
While neither Dewar nor Philip Tomasino are game-changers, they’re young, solid players who won’t cost much to bring back. And since they produce when called upon, I’m keeping them in Pittsburgh as potential pieces to the next long-term core.
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