2019 NHL Draft Profile – Philip Tomasino

Philip Tomasino wrapped up the 2018-19 campaign with 34 goals and 72 points in 67 games, a 48-point improvement from his rookie season. Being a part of the Niagara IceDogs allowed Tomasino to play alongside and learn from 2019 Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy winner Jason Robertson. At season’s end, Tomasino then impressed with Team Canada at the 2019 IIHF U18 World Championship as he put up one goal and four assists in six games. Tomasino is the 14th-ranked North American skater in NHL Central Scouting’s Final Draft Rankings.

Tomasino likes to have the puck on his stick and make plays coming into the zone. The Mississauga, Ont., native describes himself as a pass-first player but has focused on shooting the puck more. He models his game after Seattle Thunderbirds graduate Mathew Barzal, a player he enjoys watching given his poise and ability to make plays all over the ice. Tomasino’s offseason focus is to improve his quickness as well as his faceoff efficiency.

“(Tomasino) has breakaway skating ability and a nose to both create and finish,” writes Sportsnet’s Sam Cosentino. “A centre who showed he could be effective on the wing, likely goes back to his natural spot next season.”