The trend of former Detroit Red Wings players participating in NHL training camps continued on Friday, as three more accepted PTO agreements.
Defenseman Madison Bowey will be on a PTO with the New York Rangers, while Sam Gagner is set to join the Carolina Hurricanes, and Kailer Yamamoto is with Utah.
Yamamoto was acquired by Detroit in the trade involving Klim Kostin from the Oilers but never made an appearance for the Red Wings, who opted to buy him out. Last season, he played for the Kraken. The Red Wings still carry a $533,000 salary cap hit from Yamamoto’s buyout for this final season.
Earlier, former Red Wings players Gustav Lindstrom and Mark Pysyk signed PTOs with Anaheim, and Adam Erne joined the New York Rangers under a tryout agreement.
Prospect Games Streamed Live
Today’s 2024 NHL Prospect Games against Dallas (6 p.m.) and Sunday (2:30 p.m.) will be streamed live on DetroitRedWings.com and on the team’s social media channels (Facebook, YouTube). Ken Kal, the voice of Detroit radio, along with Bob Kaser, the Grand Rapids Griffins play-by-play announcer, will provide play-by-play commentary for both games.
Red Wings In Case You Missed It
Taro Hirose will join the Red Bull squad in Munich for the 2024-25 season after spending the past five years with either Detroit or Grand Rapids.
Jim Nill, a former member of the Detroit management team, is bringing a notable group of prospects from Dallas to Traverse City for a two-game series against Detroit.
In a paywall story, Bob Duff evaluates the Red Wings’ most disappointing first-round picks throughout the years. Detroit has had its share of misses. Subscribers can access the story here.
Red Wings Offseason
Detroit prospect Axel Sandin Pellikka hoped to participate in Skelleftea’s Champions League game on Saturday but was unable to play due to an injury. He aims to return next week when play begins in the Swedish Hockey League.
Due to the injury setback, Sandin-Pellikka will miss this week’s matches (CHL). He has been labeled as “day to day,” so there is optimism he can recover in time for the start of the SHL regular season next week.
— IcehockeyGifs (@IcehockeyG) September 10, 2024
Hockey Now Network
Chicago: The Chicago Sports Network has announced that former Detroit assistant coach Tony Granato and Chris Chelios’ daughter, Caley, will join Pat Boyle to form the studio team for Blackhawks games.
Colorado: Artturi Lehkonen will not be a full participant when the Colorado training camp begins in less than a week. Colorado Avalanche.
New Jersey: James Nichols analyzes four potential replacements for defenseman Luke Hughes, who is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks due to injury. New Jersey Devils.
Philadelphia: The Flyers have appointed former player Wayne Simmonds as a community relations ambassador. Philadelphia Flyers.
Former Detroit Red Wings Players Secure PTOs as NHL Training Camps Kick Off
As NHL training camps commence, the excitement is palpable among fans and players alike. A noteworthy trend this season is the number of former Detroit Red Wings players securing Professional Tryouts (PTOs). This article delves into the implications of these PTOs, highlights key players, and offers insights into what fans can expect as the NHL gears up for a new season.
Understanding Professional Tryouts (PTOs)
A Professional Tryout (PTO) is a contract that allows players to participate in training camps without being officially signed to an NHL team. These agreements provide players an opportunity to showcase their skills and earn a contract for the upcoming season. Here are some key features of PTOs:
- Short-Term Opportunities: PTOs are typically temporary and last only for the duration of training camp.
- Performance-Based: Players must impress coaches and management to secure a full contract.
- No Salary Cap Impact: Players on PTOs do not count against a team’s salary cap until they are signed.
Former Red Wings Players on PTOs
This training camp season, several notable former Red Wings players have been offered PTOs. Here’s a look at some of the key individuals:
| Player Name | Position | Previous Team | PTO Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Gagner | Forward | Detroit Red Wings | Toronto Maple Leafs |
| Luke Glendening | Forward | Detroit Red Wings | Arizona Coyotes |
| Filip Hronek | Defenseman | Detroit Red Wings | New Jersey Devils |
Sam Gagner: A Veteran Presence
Sam Gagner, known for his offensive skills and leadership qualities, is taking his talents to the Toronto Maple Leafs. After a productive season with the Red Wings, Gagner is looking to secure a spot on a competitive roster. His experience will be invaluable for younger players as he aims to contribute both on and off the ice.
Luke Glendening: The Faceoff Specialist
Luke Glendening is recognized for his tenacity and defensive awareness. Joining the Arizona Coyotes on a PTO, he hopes to bring his faceoff proficiency and penalty-killing abilities to the team. His prior success with the Red Wings makes him a significant addition as the Coyotes seek to bolster their depth.
Filip Hronek: A Promising Defenseman
Filip Hronek has secured a PTO with the New Jersey Devils after a solid run with the Red Wings. Known for his offensive upside and solid two-way game, Hronek aims to impress during the preseason and earn a long-term contract. His ability to contribute to both the power play and defensive zone will be crucial for the Devils.
Benefits of PTOs for Players and Teams
PTOs provide numerous benefits not only for the players involved but also for the teams that offer them. Here’s how both parties can gain from this arrangement:
For Players:
- Opportunity to Play: PTOs give players a chance to compete for a position and showcase their skills.
- Networking: Players can build relationships with coaches and teammates that may lead to future contracts.
- Maintain Competitive Edge: Participating in training camps allows players to stay in shape and sharp ahead of the season.
For Teams:
- Cost-Effective Assessment: Teams can evaluate players without committing significant salary cap space.
- Depth Creation: PTOs allow teams to fill roster gaps and assess potential contributors for the season.
- Injury Insurance: Having additional players in camp provides insurance against injury to existing roster members.
Case Study: Red Wings and PTO Success Stories
The Detroit Red Wings have had several success stories involving players on PTOs in the past. Here are a few notable examples:
| Player Name | Season | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Tomas Tatar | 2013 | Earned Contract, Became Key Contributor |
| Mike Green | 2015 | Signed, Became Top Defenseman |
| Jakub Kindl | 2010 | Signed, Played Key Role on Defense |
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Players
Many players who have gone through the PTO process share valuable insights. Here are some perspectives:
Sam Gagner’s Perspective
“Signing a PTO was the right move for me. It’s a chance to prove myself again and show I can contribute at the highest level. I’m excited to join a competitive camp and see where it leads.”
Luke Glendening’s Experience
“I’ve been through this before. It’s all about staying ready and seizing the moment. I’m looking forward to working hard and trying to earn my place on the team.”
Filip Hronek’s Thoughts
“Getting a PTO is a great opportunity, especially after being with the Red Wings. I want to show that I can be a reliable asset and help the Devils in any way I can.”
Practical Tips for Players Seeking PTOs
If you are an aspiring NHL player looking for a PTO, consider the following tips:
- Stay in Shape: Maintain peak physical condition to impress during tryouts.
- Show Versatility: Being able to play multiple positions can make you more appealing to teams.
- Network: Build relationships with coaches and players to increase your chances of being noticed.
- Be Prepared to Adapt: Be open to feedback and willing to change your game to fit the team’s needs.
Conclusion
The trend of former Detroit Red Wings players securing PTOs as NHL training camps begin highlights both the resilience of these athletes and the opportunities they seek to extend their careers. As the season unfolds, fans will be eager to see how these players perform and whether they can secure their spots on NHL rosters. The dynamics of PTOs not only provide a platform for players but also enrich the teams looking to enhance their rosters for the upcoming season.
