Training camp has arrived & it may just be the most anticipated one to date in Nashville Predators history.
Today as physicals & team meetings took place the final unsigned player reached an agreement on a new contract.
Forward Philip Tomasino signed a one-year, one-way deal worth $825,000 after playing 41 games with Nashville last season scoring 20 points. Tomasino is also waiver-eligible after logging 148 career games & will be a restricted free agent next summer.
Tomasino was sent to the Milwaukee Admirals back in February where he spent the next 37 games, including playoffs, to further shape his game.
“They grew, they improved & were the go-to guys. They got the hardest matchups against other team’s best defensemen or checking line,” assistant general manager Scott Nichol said of Tomasino & Juuso Pärssinen in June on the air with Willy Daunic. “In the big picture internally, it was fantastic for them & they’ll be that much better next year because of it.”
Tomasino said he was looking to refine the small areas out on the ice during his time in Milwaukee & felt challenged by Admirals head coach Karl Taylor.
Nashville also added defenseman Lucas Johansen to the training camp roster. The late add is the brother of former Predator Ryan Johansen.
Lucas is coming off winning back-to-back Calder Cups in the AHL with the Hershey Bears. He’s played in nine NHL games & 257 AHL games after being drafted 28th overall in 2016.
After a myriad of moves, this summer comes to a close, and the Predators are hoping their new pieces — re-signings as well — are what leads them to a Stanley Cup.
In terms of a foundation, the Predators have arguably one of the strongest ones in the league.
From Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, Ryan O’Reilly & Luke Schenn Nashville has 6 combined championship rings to build off of. General manager Barry Trotz also won one in 2018 with the Washington Capitals.
The NHL’s seventh longest-tenured captain Roman Josi is another piece to the puzzle as well. He could have new defenseman Brady Skjei alongside him.
Josi didn’t mind playing on the right side last year with Ryan McDonagh & the narrative could be similar during the 2024-25 campaign.
The Predators have 22 players up in the NHL right now which leaves a roster spot open.
There will be heavy competition from younger players like Tanner Molendyk, Zach L’Heureux, Ryan Ufko, Marc Del Gaizo, & now Tomasino.
Fans are welcome to attend the 26th training camp out at the Bellevue Ford Ice Center. The first practice session begins at 9 a.m. on Thursday.
Aside from upcoming practices, there are some major dates to keep in mind for this season.
Important dates to have in mind this season:
Oct. 7 – Deadline for opening-day rosters (4 p.m. CT)
Oct. 22 – NHL Frozen Frenzy (32 teams playing)
Dec. 20-27 – NHL roster freeze & Holiday Break
Feb. 10-21 – NHL pauses for 4 Nations Face-Off
March 7 – NHL Trade Deadline (2 p.m. CT)
April 19 – Playoffs begin
Follow Nick Kieser on Twitter/X: @KieserNick
Photo courtesy of the Nashville Predators
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