Charlotte Checkers: Potential Impact of Jamie McGinn’s PTO

After signing a PTO with the Charlotte Checkers this past week, could we see another McGinn brother suit up for the Carolina Hurricanes in the near future?

Missing most of the 2018-19 NHL season with injury, Jamie McGinn signed a PTO with the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL last week. An 11 year NHL vet of 617 regular season games, Jamie is the older brother of current Carolina Hurricanes forward Brock McGinn.

Coming off back surgery, Jamie only appeared in 19 games with the Florida Panthers this past season. Putting up seven points, four goals and three assists, his production put him on pace for roughly 30 points, 17 of those goals, over a full NHL season.

The physical winger has been known to be a solid net front presence throughout his career, something the Hurricanes seem to always need more of. To go along with the physicality,  the 31 year old has 220 career points, 117 goals and 103 assists, mostly playing in a bottom six role.

Originally drafted in the second round of the NHL Entry Draft by the San Jose Sharks in 2006, he is looking to work his way back into the NHL full time. In signing a PTO with the Checkers McGinn has a  chance to impress the Hurricanes brass and earn a one year deal with the big club. With the rumored interest from the Hurricanes in adding another forward the opportunity is certainly there should he earn it.

When the tryout was announced he cited even the chance to play with Brock as “pretty special” and something that was a “once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Family ties is something that this organization very is familiar with, the Staal brothers and Sutter cousins being the most notable.  Should they play together at some point, the McGinn brothers would mark the 48th time siblings played on the same NHL team since 1917.

If he earns a contract from the Hurricanes, McGinn would likely start on the fourth line, a line that has been a revolving door ever since Jordan Martinook‘s surgery. Being someone who has the potential to impact the game in more ways than Brian Gibbons, the Hurricanes could certainly benefit from having another physical presence on the ice.

Fresh off a three year 3.3 million AAV deal, his cap hit will likely be close to league minimum, making any deal one that’s low risk high reward. At the end of the day, should he prove fit, Jamie McGinn is an established NHL player and whenever you have a chance to add to your organizational depth without giving up any assets you do it.

With PTOs limited to 25 games, we should expect to see some sort of decision in the next couple of weeks.

Question for CC Readers: Do you think Jamie McGinn will earn a contract from the Hurricanes?