In hockey, a PTO, or Professional Tryout, is a short-term contract that provides unsigned or veteran players with the opportunity to participate in a team’s training camp.
It serves as a mechanism for players without standard contracts to showcase their skills and potentially earn a spot on the team’s regular-season roster.
So, what is a PTO in hockey, the concept of PTOs adds a dynamic layer to the pre-season proceedings, allowing teams to assess players’ performance without committing to long-term agreements.
This practice is particularly prevalent in professional hockey, where the competitive nature of the sport demands a thorough evaluation of player capabilities.