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    Four Notable PTO Signings Around the NHL

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    Four Notable PTO Signings Around the NHL

    Max Pacioretty

    Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

    With training camps underway and pre-season fast approaching, there are a ton of unsigned players looking to crack NHL rosters ahead of the 2024-25 season.

    There are 30 players who have been offered professional tryout contracts (PTO) among 17 teams this year. This pool of players includes veterans looking to keep their careers alive and young talent looking to find their places in the league.

    While most of these players’ futures will be judged based on their pre-season appearances, there are a few who already have a decent shot at being offered NHL contracts, starting with Max Pacioretty.

    Max Pacioretty: Toronto Maple Leafs

    The 35-year-old Connecticut native has accumulated 902 games played over 16 seasons in the NHL, and with a lack of scoring depth at the left wing position for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Pacioretty could be a cost-effective addition with top-six scoring upside.

    His injury history and age bring some reasonable caution when it comes to his ability to play a full 82-game schedule, but it’s unlikely that the Maple Leafs would ask that of him. Pacioretty’s expectations when it comes to his role in the lineup may differ from what the organization is willing to buy in on, but there’s a reality where this PTO turns into something that works out favorably for both parties.

    Tyson Barrie: Calgary Flames

    Another veteran with a good chance of earning a deal is Tyson Barrie, who has been invited to join the Calgary Flames over the next few weeks. With a relatively inexperienced blueline outside of Rasmus Andersson and Mackenzie Weegar, Barrie can provide a veteran presence and will likely challenge either Kevin Bahl or Brayden Pachal for a depth role in the Flames’ defensive core.

    The 33-year-old isn’t the same offensive contributor that he once was, but even in a worst-case scenario, he could still be a solid power-play quarterback on the Flames’ secondary unit. That spot is typically held by Andersson, but after putting up just eight power-play points last season, that role should be up for grabs.

    Tyler Johnson: Boston Bruins

    With a lot of uncertainty in the Boston Bruins’ bottom-six forward core, Tyler Johnson could prove to be an intriguing addition to their lineup. The two-time Stanley Cup champion is coming off a 17-goal campaign with the Chicago Blackhawks while playing just 67 games and averaging 15:32 minutes per game. 

    While Johnson primarily played center, he’s also spent time on the wing throughout his career, making him a versatile option to compete with many of the Bruins’ young prospects. For a team looking to keep their competitive window open as long as possible, Johnson seems like a strong bet to earn himself a contract in Boston.

    Aaron Dell: San Jose Sharks

    For a team that went out and acquired one of the best goaltending prospects of the last decade in Yaroslav Askarov, it may seem odd that the San Jose Sharks reunited with veteran goaltender Aaron Dell through a PTO.

    Additionally, the Sharks acquired Vitek Vanecek from the New Jersey Devils in March to add further depth behind Mackenzie Blackwood, who started the majority of the games for them last season. 

    However, goaltending has become a much more momentum-based position in the NHL. Outside of the high-end talent, it’s rare that teams find consistent success starting goaltenders more than 50 games in a season, and bringing in Dell could prove to be a valuable asset on a two-way contract that can provide relief in the event of injuries.

    Related: Young NHL Players Needing A Strong Training Camp: Atlantic Division

    Related: Six NHL Free Agents Who Didn’t Get A Tryout

    Related: Five NHL Pre-Season Predictions For The Blackhawks, Blues And The Central Division



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