Ontario-born Philip Tomasino is on waivers, but the Maple Leafs should be careful about claiming him
Photo credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Philip Tomasino could be a player who gets claimed off waivers, but he might not be a fit for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Placed on waivers by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Tomasino has been one of the many in the Penguins bottom-six that has struggled to produce offensively, with just a point in nine games this season.
It's a contrast to a respectable 23 points in 50 games last season for Tomasino after being acquired from the Nashville Predators, but lower in the lineup, Tomasino hasn't found his spark just yet.
Fellow 2019 first rounder John Beecher was claimed off waivers Tuesday by the Calgary Flames from the Boston Bruins, showcasing the value of a young first rounder with NHL potential.
Now on waivers and available to be claimed, Tomasino will have value as a former first rounder who is still young at 24, and has shown clear potential.
What Philip Tomasino actually brings right now, beyond the 'former 1st-rounder' label
Philip Tomasino will bring value and intrigue based on the fact he was a first round pick, 24th overall in 2019, but he has more than just where he was selected.
Tomasino is a solid offensive finisher who has a good skating ability, but lacks defensive strength and isn't an optimal playmaker who moves the puck at a high level, both issues that make it difficult for him to lock down a consistent role outside the top-six.
A lack of production from Pittsburgh overall hasn't helped Tomasino build on on his strong numbers last season, but he could still have value to some teams.
Why the Maple Leafs should be careful not to let his upside and Ontario roots drive the decision
Although a team could use a player like Tomasino, he may not be a perfect fit for the Leafs roster.
The Leafs are struggling with offense on their bottom-six, and after "projects" such as Matias Maccelli and Dakota Joshua haven't wowed, Toronto's best bet might be focusing on players more proven.
The Mississauga-born Tomasino is likely to draw the Leafs eyes, but he might not be the most sensible for Toronto who do need to get younger but also need a physical layer which Tomasino doesn't yet bring.
Although there is good chance that Philip Tomasino gets claimed off waivers, it's a question if Toronto is the best fit, especially as Tomasino is best with high ice time that the Leafs don't currently have to offer him.
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