Less than 24 hours after sending World Junior hero Akil Thomas to the Peterborough Petes, the Niagara Ice Dogs traded Nashville first-round pick Philip Tomasino (4.75 stars) to the Oshawa Generals for nine draft picks and the rights to prospect David Gucciardi (4.25 stars).
Tomasino, an 18-year-old who was drafted No. 24 overall last summer by Nashville, had 57 points in 36 games this season, scoring 22 goals and adding 35 assists.
“A highly skilled forward who can stickhandle his way out jams, is a strong, powerful skater and has exceptional poise and patience in alone on goalies,” our scouts said. “His best attribute, however, is between the ears; his hockey sense and vision are top-notch. He is able to read the ice and make plays at full speed and while getting hit because of his keen awareness and balanced stride.”
The Ice Dogs will receive a whopping six second-round picks, including second-round picks in 2020, 2021, 2023 (2) and 2024; the Generals are also sending a third-round pick in 2024 and fourth-round picks in 2022 and 2024. The OHL has a rule that prevents teams from trading first-round picks.
The Ice Dogs also receive the rights to Gucciardi, a 2002-born defenseman who is currently playing in the USHL and is committed to Michigan State.
“David is a smart player with the puck showing no panic in his game,” said our scouts. “He consistently shows a willingness to take a hit in order to make a play. This at times can get himself into trouble by waiting too long with the puck before making a play, but for the most part, David is able to make the right play with the puck. He is aggressive as well with it on his stick and will jump up into the offensive end. Defensively, his gap control is strong and he uses his quickness and skating to apply pressure to the opposition. He is a smooth skater with above-average straight-line speed and a quick first few steps.”
