Edmonton Oilers

Oilers Extend Multiple PTO Offers, Veterans Coming to Camp

The Edmonton Oilers have extended multiple PTO offers to NHL veterans and at least four different players are coming to camp.

by
NHL Trade Talk
September 16, 2022

Members of the media for the Edmonton Oilers are relaying that Jake Virtanen isn’t likely to join the team on a PTO. While there were rumors the Oilers were interested, it appears he’s choosing to go another route, a decision that seems to sit well with a number of the team’s fans. That isn’t stopping the organization from bringing in veterans via PTO and reports are that a number of other players have accepted an invitation.

Daniel Nugent-Bowman of The Athletic has reported that former Oiler Riley Nash has been offered a PTO and he writes in a separate tweet, “D Jason Demers, 34, will be coming to camp on a PTO. He played 5 KHL games and w/ Canada’s Olympic team last season. EDM is also discussing the idea of extending a PTO to former Flames RW Brett Ritchie.” This all comes after the Oilers already signed Justin Bailey to a PTO.

The Oilers rookies are practicing today in Penticton, B.C., ahead of their first tournament game tomorrow. Tonight, players and team staff have been invited to dinner at Duncan Keith’s house — a thoughtful gesture by someone who valued his last NHL season in Edmonton.
— Daniel Nugent-Bowman (@DNBsports) September 15, 2022

One thing to keep in mind is that this does not mean the Oilers have any intention to sign any of these players. In fact, they might not have room to do so. Instead, these PTOs are likely meant to give the Oilers stars some rest during a very busy preseason where the team has eight games in five days and there are rules about how many veterans must dress. These PTOs count as vets and that helps Edmonton keep some of its stars well rested.

Could Oilers Sign Someone?

There is always a chance the Oilers could sign someone but their priority is getting a deal done with Ryan McLeod who is skating with the team but still doesn’t have a new contract in place. The Oilers are well over the salary cap ceiling and a move — beyond placing Oscar Klefbom and Mike Smith on LTIR — is expected to free up money.

The Oilers will closely watch everyone at camp, but their money situation makes it challenging to find the room to sign one of these invites.

Next: Top 4 Trade Destinations for Oilers’ Jesse Puljujarvi