Philip Tomasino assigned to Admirals, Predators finalize roster
By Nick Kieser
The opening night roster for the Nashville Predators 2022-23 season has been set.
Forward Philip Tomasino was left off the list the Predators announced at 4 p.m. on Monday.
After playing in 76 games in his rookie season he’s been sent to the Milwaukee Admirals. Tomasino has two years remaining on his deal until he becomes a restricted free agent.
Nashville has opted to go with forwards Michael McCarron, Zach Sanford, and Kiefer Sherwood who is in place of Tomasino in the projected lineup.
The lone waiver claim during the Predator’s cuts was goaltender Connor Ingram who the Arizona Coyotes picked up to be their backup this season.
The following Predators players who went unclaimed were: Jimmy Huntington, Mark Jankowski, and defensemen Kevin Gravel, Jordan Gross, and Roland McKeown. All will play with the Admirals until called up.
So, what’s the concern with Tomasino?
Being a 21-year-old forward in the NHL on a nightly basis is a complement to the 2019 first-round pick out of Mississauga, Ontario. Tomasino had high expectations after making the team last year and went on score 32 points.
He was part of nine forward lines with the Predators last season. According to Money Puck, he spent the majority of the 21-22 season with Nick Cousins, McCarron, and Thomas Novak (112 minutes).
Albeit Tomasino spent some time in the top six as well. He dressed with Luke Kunin and Ryan Johansen on the second line (51 minutes) in 10 games and played alongside Filip Forsberg with Johansen (46 minutes) in 10 games.
Head coach John Hynes was experimenting with his highly touted prospect and after this training camp didn’t see what perhaps he expected out of Tomasino.
When Tomasino found the back of the net he was always creating space or finding his best chance to strike like he did when scoring his first career goal last October against the Rangers.
Tomasino may need some more confidence in himself after last year. Predators play-by-play voice Willy Daunic said on 102.5 The Game Monday that ‘He may need a little time to rediscover his game.’
He does have experience in the AHL, but it came prior to being an everyday player for the Predators.
During the 2019-20 season, he posted 32 points in 29 games with the Chicago Wolves while Nashville had a conjoined minor league system.
Before he joined the Wolves he played in 60 games at the junior level with the Niagra Ice Dogs and Oshawa Generals, all in the same calendar season. In the OHL Tomasino scored 100 points after being selected 19th overall by the Predators.
Going down to play with the Admirals isn’t the end of the world for Philip. Disappointment is surely an inevitable feeling after playing all season in Nashville last year.
Karl Taylor and his coaching staff will help fine-tune Tomasino into a player the Predators will be more than happy to call up after some valuable time in the AHL.
Connor Ingram Amongst Preds Players to Hit Waivers. light. Must Read
A prime example is Cody Glass who just made the Predators team after playing 66 games in Milwaukee just a season ago scoring 62 points.
Perhaps forwards Egor Afanasyev and Tomasino can join forces to help make their case to be part of the Predators this season.
Projected opening night roster Vs. Dallas Stars:
FORWARDS
Forsberg – Granland – Duchene
Niederreiter – Johansen – Sherwood
Trenin – Sissons – Jeannot
Smith – Glass – Tolvanen
DEFENSEMEN
Josi – Carrier
McDonagh – Ekholm
Lauzon – Fabbro
GOALIES
Saros
Lankinen