Unsigned veteran players can secure a contract with an NHL team by showcasing their skills during training camp through a professional tryout contract (PTO). Training camps commence on Thursday, with the regular season kicking off on October 4.
Here are some noteworthy players (listed alphabetically) who attended an NHL camp on a PTO:
The 24-year-old recorded 17 points (one goal, 16 assists) across 72 games for the San Jose Sharks and Minnesota Wild last season. Addison has accumulated 50 points (six goals, 44 assists) in 152 regular-season games for the Sharks and Wild, along with one assist in three Stanley Cup Playoff appearances.
At 33 years old, he tallied 15 points (one goal, 14 assists) in 41 games for the Nashville Predators last season. Barrie has achieved 505 points (109 goals, 396 assists) in 809 regular-season games with the Predators, Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Colorado Avalanche, as well as 21 points (two goals, 19 assists) in 47 playoff matches.
The 39-year-old registered seven points (four goals, three assists) in 40 games for the Seattle Kraken last season. Bellemare boasts 138 points (64 goals, 74 assists) in 700 regular-season matches for the Kraken, Tampa Bay Lightning, Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights, and Philadelphia Flyers, in addition to 15 points (five goals, 10 assists) from 85 playoff games.
Last season, the 28-year-old gathered seven points (one goal, six assists) in 53 games for the St. Louis Blues. Blais has 71 points (27 goals, 44 assists) in 257 regular-season games with the Blues and New York Rangers, and eight points (three goals, five assists) in 27 playoff outings. He was part of the Stanley Cup-winning team with St. Louis in 2019.
The 27-year-old scored seven points (two goals, five assists) in 50 games with the Arizona Coyotes last season. Dermott has achieved 329 points (16 goals, 46 assists) in 329 regular-season games with the Coyotes, Vancouver Canucks, and Maple Leafs, along with five points (two goals, three assists) in 22 playoff encounters.
In the previous season, the 34-year-old played one NHL game for the Detroit Red Wings and had a record of 14-14-3, with a 2.89 goals-against average, a .892 save percentage, and two shutouts in 32 games for the Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League. Hutchinson holds a record of 57-62-18 with a 2.94 GAA, a .903 save percentage, and six shutouts over 154 regular-season NHL games (127 starts) for the Red Wings, Columbus Blue Jackets, Maple Leafs, Avalanche, Florida Panthers, and Winnipeg Jets, alongside a 2-1 record in four playoff matches (three starts).
The 34-year-old amassed 31 points (17 goals, 14 assists) over 67 games for the Chicago Blackhawks last season. Johnson has 431 points (193 goals, 238 assists) in 738 regular-season games for the Blackhawks and Lightning, along with 65 points (32 goals, 33 assists) in 116 playoff games. He celebrated two Stanley Cup victories with Tampa Bay in 2020 and 2021.
Last season, the 26-year-old earned 13 points (seven goals, six assists) in 59 games with the Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators. Katchouk has recorded 36 points (15 goals, 21 assists) across 176 games for the Senators, Blackhawks, and Lightning.
The 35-year-old last played in the NHL during the 2022-23 season, making two appearances with the Avalanche and Boston Bruins. Kinkaid posted a record of 8-14-2, with a 3.54 GAA and .880 save percentage in 24 games with Chicago in the AHL last season. He has a career record of 70-58-21, with a 2.91 GAA, .905 save percentage, and eight shutouts across 169 regular-season NHL games (146 starts) for the Avalanche, Bruins, Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, and New Jersey Devils, and is 0-2 in two playoff games.
The 26-year-old managed one assist in 10 games with the Sharks last season. Knyzhov has 12 points (three goals, nine assists) to his name in 81 NHL games.
The 38-year-old’s last NHL appearance was in the 2017-18 season, when he scored three points (one goal, two assists) in 13 games for the New York Islanders. He has spent the past six seasons competing in the Kontinental Hockey League. Kulemin has tallied 274 points (121 goals, 153 assists) in 669 regular-season NHL games representing the Islanders and Maple Leafs, and added seven points (two goals, five assists) in 25 playoff matches.
Last season, the 25-year-old recorded 10 points (three goals, seven assists) over 46 games with the Ducks and Canadiens. Throughout his career, Lindstrom has amassed 35 points (five goals, 30 assists) in 174 games played for the Ducks, Canadiens, and Red Wings.
The 28-year-old notched three points (one goal, two assists) in 38 regular-season games with the Panthers last season and contributed three points (two goals, one assist) in 16 playoff games, aiding in their Stanley Cup victory. Lorentz has compiled a total of 43 points (21 goals, 22 assists) across 230 regular-season games with the Panthers, Sharks, and Carolina Hurricanes, along with six points (two goals, four assists) in 32 playoff games.
Matt Martin, F, New York Islanders
During the previous season, the 35-year-old secured eight points (four goals, four assists) in 57 games for the Islanders. Over the course of his career, Martin has tallied 176 points (81 goals, 95 assists) across 955 regular-season games with the Islanders and Maple Leafs, as well as 13 points (eight goals, five assists) in 88 playoff games.
The 35-year-old recorded 23 points (four goals, 19 assists) during 47 regular-season games for the Washington Capitals last season, in addition to one assist in four playoff appearances. Pacioretty made his season debut on January 3 after being sidelined since January 19, 2023, due to a torn Achilles tendon. He has accumulated 668 points (330 goals, 338 assists) in 902 regular-season games for the Capitals, Hurricanes, Golden Knights, and Canadiens, and registered 50 points (25 goals, 25 assists) in 78 playoff games.
The 32-year-old gathered 13 points (five goals, eight assists) in 54 games for the Canadiens last season. Pearson’s career totals include 285 points (138 goals, 147 assists) in 644 regular-season games with the Canadiens, Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Los Angeles Kings, alongside 23 points (nine goals, 14 assists) in 51 playoff games. He was a member of the Kings when they won the Cup in 2014.
Having last played in the NHL during the 2021-22 season, the 32-year-old recorded 12 points (three goals, nine assists) over 68 games with the Buffalo Sabres. Last season, he tallied four assists in 37 games split between Calgary and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in the AHL. Pysyk has 104 points (28 goals, 76 assists) in 521 regular-season NHL games for the Sabres, Dallas Stars, and Panthers, with no points in four playoff appearances.
Jakub Vrana, F, Washington Capitals
The 28-year-old scored six points (two goals, four assists) in 21 games for the Blues last season. Throughout his career, Vrana has accrued 209 points (110 goals, 99 assists) in 367 regular-season games for the Blues, Red Wings, and Capitals, as well as eight points (three goals, five assists) in 38 playoff games. He was part of the Capitals team that won the Cup in 2018.
The 32-year-old registered four points (two goals, two assists) and racked up 93 penalty minutes in 33 games with the Lightning last season. Watson has earned 118 points (60 goals, 58 assists) over 515 regular-season games with the Lightning, Senators, and Predators, along with 19 points (10 goals, nine assists) in 45 playoff games.
For the Kraken last season, the 25-year-old amassed 16 points (eight goals, eight assists) over 59 games. Yamamoto has tallied 134 points (58 goals, 76 assists) in 303 regular-season games for the Kraken and Oilers, and recorded 12 points (three goals, nine assists) in 34 playoff games.
The 27-year-old last played in the NHL with the Bruins during the 2022-23 season, where he earned four points (one goal, three assists) in 22 games. He also accumulated nine assists in 31 games with Providence in the AHL last season. Zboril has registered 16 points (one goal, 15 assists) in 76 NHL games with Boston.
Unsigned Veterans Aim for NHL Comeback: Notable Players on Professional Tryout Contracts as Training Camps Open
Understanding Professional Tryout Contracts
As the NHL training camps kick off each year, a handful of unsigned veterans seize this opportunity by signing professional tryout contracts (PTOs). These contracts provide players the chance to showcase their skills during training camp with the hope of earning a spot on an NHL roster. The National Hockey League allows teams to evaluate these players without committing to a full contract initially, making it a win-win situation for both teams and players.
What is a PTO?
- A professional tryout contract is a temporary agreement that allows players to practice with an NHL team during training camp.
- PTOs do not guarantee a spot on the team, but they provide an opportunity for veterans to make an impression.
- Players on PTOs can be released at any time without penalties to the team.
Notable Unsigned Veterans This Season
This season, several prominent veterans have signed PTOs, aiming to reclaim their position in the NHL. Here are some of the most noteworthy players to keep an eye on:
| Player Name | Position | Previous Team | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zdeno Chara | Defenseman | Brockton Boxers (EHL) | 46 |
| James Neal | Forward | Edmonton Oilers | 35 |
| Mike Smith | Goaltender | Edmonton Oilers | 41 |
| P.K. Subban | Defenseman | New Jersey Devils | 34 |
Player Profiles
Let’s delve deeper into the profiles of some notable players on PTOs this training camp:
Zdeno Chara
At 46, Zdeno Chara is a legendary figure in the NHL. Known for his towering presence and leadership skills, Chara has previously played for the Boston Bruins, where he won a Stanley Cup in 2011. His experience and defensive abilities make him an attractive option for teams looking for veteran presence on the blue line.
James Neal
James Neal is a skilled winger who has a proven track record of scoring. With over 200 career goals, he has played for several NHL teams, including the Penguins and the Golden Knights. Neal’s ability to find the back of the net could be crucial for a team needing offensive depth.
Mike Smith
The 41-year-old goaltender Mike Smith has been a reliable option in net for many years. He’s known for his outstanding puck-handling skills and experience. After a notable career, Smith’s potential return could bring stability to a team’s goaltending situation.
P.K. Subban
A two-time Norris Trophy winner, P.K. Subban brings skill and flair to the ice. Known for his offensive capabilities from the blue line, his ability to contribute on both ends of the rink makes him a potential asset for any team looking to bolster its defense.
Benefits of Signing a PTO
For players, signing a PTO can lead to several benefits:
- Opportunity to Compete: Veterans get a chance to compete against younger players and prove they can still play at a high level.
- Visibility: Even if the player does not make the NHL roster, showcasing their skills can lead to opportunities in other leagues.
- Networking: Players can build relationships within the organization, which could be advantageous for future opportunities.
Challenges Faced by Unsigned Veterans
While aiming for an NHL comeback, unsigned veterans face several challenges:
- Competition: The influx of young talent into the league means veterans are often competing against players who are in their prime.
- Injury Concerns: Older players may face scrutiny regarding their injury history, which can deter teams from signing them.
- Adapting to the Game: The NHL continues to evolve, and veterans must adapt to the faster pace and changing styles of play.
Case Studies: Successful PTOs in the Past
Several players have successfully turned a PTO into a full contract, showcasing that this pathway can lead to fruitful NHL tenures:
Example 1: Justin Williams
In 2018, veteran forward Justin Williams signed a PTO with the Carolina Hurricanes. After impressing during camp, he secured a contract and contributed significantly to the team, eventually leading them to the playoffs.
Example 2: Scott Hartnell
In 2015, Scott Hartnell signed a PTO with the Philadelphia Flyers. He not only made the team but produced a strong season, proving that veterans can still impact the game.
Practical Tips for Players on PTOs
For unsigned veterans looking to make the most out of their PTO experience, consider the following tips:
- Stay in Shape: Ensure you are in peak physical condition before training camp starts. This can make a significant difference in performance.
- Showcase Versatility: Be willing to play multiple positions if needed. Teams appreciate players who can contribute in various roles.
- Maintain a Positive Attitude: Approach the opportunity with enthusiasm and professionalism, as first impressions are critical.
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Players
Many players who have gone through the PTO process have shared their experiences, emphasizing the importance of determination and resilience. Here are some insights:
Quote 1
“Signing a PTO was an opportunity I was grateful for. It allowed me to show I still had something left in the tank.” – Veteran NHL Player
Quote 2
“You never know who’s watching. Every drill, every game matters. It’s a chance to prove you belong.” – Former NHL All-Star
Conclusion
As training camps begin, the spotlight shines on unsigned veterans aiming for one last shot at NHL glory through professional tryout contracts. With notable players like Zdeno Chara, James Neal, Mike Smith, and P.K. Subban in the mix, fans eagerly anticipate the outcomes of these tryouts. Regardless of how the season unfolds, the stories of perseverance and ambition from these athletes will surely inspire many.
