Oiler Fans Look to PTOs, But Scribe Has Disappointing News

The Edmonton Oilers might not sign anyone else in free agency this summer, but there’s always the PTO route. Professional tryouts (PTOs) are used by teams every year. They’re basically a risk-free way to gauge what a player still has in the tank. If they’re good, you can sign them. If they struggle, you can let them walk away with no commitment. During their tryout, the players can also sign with another team if a contract is offered.

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The Oilers have used PTOs in the past, choosing both to let players leave without a deal, and to sign them. As such, with names like Patrik Laine, Michael Bunting, Vladimir Tarasenko, Eeli Tolvanen, and Evander Kane still without deals, the idea that one or more of them could come to an Oilers camp on a tryout is enticing.

Don’t expect it to happen.

Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal writes, “…with only four exhibition games rather than the normal eight for Oilers and vets having to play two games minimum, I just don’t see many PTO’s if at all. Have to look at prospects too.”

David Staples, also of the Edmonton Journal, seemed to agree. “Yup,” he wrote when a popular Oilers account admitted that Matheson might be right.

The fact is, there isn’t as much time to evaluate players this summer as there has been in the past. The NHL has cut back on preseason games to coincide with the introduction of 84 regular-season games versus 82. It’s those preseason games where players on tryouts get the longest looks. If those games aren’t being played, the evaluations will be much quicker or non-existent.

What can the Oilers learn about Laine that they don’t already know? Do they want to test his health? Maybe, but if he only plays in two games, does that really tell them anything? It might. Then again, it might not.

For players, going to an NHL camp on a PTO might be less about making a team and more about skating with one. Trying to get into shape by taking the ice with an NHL roster is wise. It doesn’t mean they have a legit shot of making a team if they wind up at a camp.

PTOs will be different this season. The players who haven’t signed yet are going to want to land a deal before thinking about PTOs becomes a reality.

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