The NHL’s version of musical chairs, free agency, is winding down. Players have changed teams and/or signed new contracts this summer. Unfortunately, some players are still on the outside looking in. They may have to sign Professional Try-Out (PTO) agreements in order to get a training camp invitation. It’s the first step to competing for a roster spot.
When a player gets to the PTO point in his career, it’s a signal that the end is near. Rarely does anyone cash in on the opportunity (maybe a handful every year), let alone finish the season. True success stories are highly unusual.