With the Nashville Predators near the bottom of the NHL standings nearly two months into the season, it would be natural to assume coach Andrew Brunette is on the hot seat. But not according to general manager Barry Trotz.

In what felt like an inevitable move, the Nashville Predators traded Philip Tomasino to the Pittsburgh Penguins Monday for a fourth-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft. The 23-year-old had evidently fallen out of favor during his five years in the Predators organization – spanning two general managers and two head coaches – and was a prime candidate for a change-of-scenery trade.

A look at where Tomasino’s development in Nashville went awry, and what the Pens are hoping to see from him in Pittsburgh.

Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz did not believe Philip Tomasino would clear waivers. The trade ensured the team would get something for him.