Things haven’t exactly looked like a well run operation this year in Pittsburgh. The Penguins are one of the worst defensive teams in hockey and they do not look like a structure team that plays with purpose. A lot of fans are not thrilled with this new status quo. Today Kyle Dubas made a trade with the Nashville Predators.

The Penguins traded away a 2027 fourth round draft pick in exchange for Philip Tomasino, a former first round pick of Nashville back in 2019. Tomasino is 23 years old and hasn’t gained the traction the Predators were looking for. I like this dart throw by the Penguins. They essentially traded Chad Ruhwedel for Tomasino as the 4th round pick used in the trade was the pick the Rangers gave Pittsburgh for the depth defender. This trade is unlikely to appease those looking for answers in the 2024-25 season. Those folks are going to have to accept that all moves are not geared towards this season.

With Tomasino the Penguins are looking to buy low on potential without carrying any risk. It’s akin to another trade Dubas made with Nashville when they acquired another former first round pick in Cody Glass.

Here’s Tomasino’s analytical card



Given the cost of acquisition it is a prudent move to see if they can get more out of Tomasino in a classic change of scenery approach. If his development stalls it isn’t like the odds of keeping the Rangers fourth round pick are higher than rolling the dice with Tomasino.

I like the move and have no expectations of it making this season any better. This is for the future and will require patience, something many Penguins fans are out of.

Thanks for reading!

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