Some NHL veterans looking to extend their careers as camps open this week
NHL rosters will be mostly set when training camps open this week, with only a couple of spots in each team’s 23-man lineup up for grabs.
Every season, there are veterans looking to extend their careers by taking those spots — usually from a younger prospect — even if it means entering camp on tryout basis.
Players on a professional tryout contract, known as a “PTO,” have no security, only an opportunity to prove they deserve another NHL deal. Very few players are successful and many are left pondering whether they should play overseas or in the minors, or retire.
“You never want to hope there’s an injury to get a job but for some of these guys, it’s what needs to happen,” said agent Allain Roy of RSG Sports. “You’re excited to get an opportunity but you’re not happy to be at that point (in your career).”