Preds lock up Tomasino
Phil Tomasino’s outstanding start with the Niagara IceDogs has paid off big time.
The Nashville Predators rewarded the speedy forward, their 2019 first-round selection, with a three-year NHL entry level contract this earlier this week.
According to capfriendly.com, the three-year deal is worth a maximum of $3.2 million including a signing bonus of $277,500 to be paid over three years and performances bonuses of $425,000.
“I think I’m a little relieved to finally get a deal done,” Tomasino said, when asked for his reaction to the contract. “As soon as the draft finishes up. that’s your next goal and to have that under your belt is pretty awesome.
“It’s another step in the journey. It’s one step closer and there’s still a lot of work to be done, but it was an amazing moment for my family and I when I got the deal done.”
IceDogs coach Billy Burke isn’t surprised the Predators inked Tomasino so quickly.
“We’re absolutely thrilled for him, he 100 per cent deserves this,” Burke said. “If it was easy, everyone would get max level entry contracts so there was a ton of work that has gone into this.
“It’s not winning the lottery by any means. He’s earned every cent and he knows this is only step one. It’s nice to sign your first contract but he wants to sign multiple NHL contracts before his career is done.”
Tomasino had an inkling something might get done, but was trying to concentre on his game.
“I had spoken to my agent about a contract but from my side I was just focusing on hockey,” he said. “My adviser lets me know all that kind of stuff. During the weekend, I had a call there was a deal done and we went and signed the papers Monday and got it done pretty quickly.”
Tomasino is currently in his third season with the IceDogs and is on pace to have a career year. He is leading the team scoring with 23 points in 12 games (nine goals, 14 assists).
“It was a coming-of-age for him last season and he’s taken another step this year,” Burke said. “He’s fantastic on the pk (penalty kill), even strength, all situations. He’s really putting his focus on the defensive side of the game, really trying to play a pro style with more stops and starts and less swinging, and he’s seeing the fruits of all his efforts so far.”
Tomasino agreed his work without the puck is at the forefront of his efforts.
“I’ve spoken to the Preds organization about that stuff. A huge jump from junior to pro is the defensive part of the game and I think I’ve taken big steps forward this year in that aspect of my game,” he said. “There’s still work to be done but as long as I keep on improving and watching video and asking questions, that’s how you get better, but up to this point I think I’ve done a pretty good job.”
Tomasino hasn’t put much thought into treating himself now that he has the deal done.
“Haven’t really thought too much about that just yet but maybe my parents deserve some payback for all the work they’ve done for me,” he said.
The IceDogs (4-5-2-1-1) are home to the Hamilton Bulldogs (5-6-1-1) Friday, then travel to Barrie (6-4-0-0-1) Saturday night and London (4-4-1) Sunday afternoon.
“We have an outline and a plan for what we want to do for all three games,” Burke said. “The big focus now is on Hamilton Friday night and then we’ll move to Barrie. We have a general outline for what we want to do. We certainly take it one game at a time and focus on who’s up next and then go from there.”
Burke is well aware how three games in two-and-a-half days can take its toll.
“It is something I try to keep in the back of my mind. You certainly don’t want to burn out your top guys in the first game of a weekend where they have nothing left on Sunday, but at the same time you want to win every game.
“There is a fine balance.”
SUPPORT US
On the right side of our web site, you will notice a yellow SUPPORT US button.
We are asking anyone who finds value in our work and is able to financially help us to click on the button and contribute whatever amount you feel is appropriate and can afford. There is no set amount. Any amount is appreciated.
The funds collected will be used to enhance and offset the expenses of running the web site.
