Carolina Hurricanes Enticed By PTO Options Available
By Glenn Brewer
The job of any NHL general manager is always looking at ways to improve your club. Eric Tulsky and the Carolina Hurricanes have signed all free-agent targets for the summer but with training camp around the corner, will a professional tryout be considered for some of the remaining veterans without a contract?
This month's standout name on a PTO for Canes camp is Rod Brind'Amour's son, Sklyer. Not in the plans for the franchise's future, the organization could be a spot for a veteran to at the very least create some good competition in camp.
Recently Tyler Johnson signed a PTO with the Boston Bruins, which could have been a nice fit in Carolina as a two-way centerman. Still, a depth piece must always be considered even if not likely to make the roster. Plenty of PTO's have been released of the tryout or even signed by another organization, keeping tabs on the players progress under the PTO.
Jakub Vrana is on PTO in Washington and Tyson Barrie recently took a PTO with the Calgary Flames. Without a true hole in the roster, the Canes have the luxury of choosing the best fit and not just a position of need.
Two players that could benefit from playing with the young talent on the Canes roster and flourish in scoring roles would be James van Riemsdyk and familiar face, Max Pacioretty. Neither are spring chickens and come with some baggage. Both have had strong NHL careers and played in the league last season with contributions to their respective squads.
JVR brings some scoring prowess with size and can bring a different aspect to the power play unit that may be missing from Stefan Noesen's departure. Pacioretty as we all know is willing to shoot the puck whenever and from wherever. His leadership is always an asset and losing so many goals to free agency, he could have a purpose on this roster for secondary scoring.
Another depth option with a strong character is Cal Clutterbuck. Clutterbuck's best years are behind him, but last season he played in all 82 games and could be a comparable replacement for Jesper Fast. However, Clutterbuck would bring a stronger physical presence to the roster than currently exists.