Players get PTOs (or Professional Tryouts) for a number of different reasons. Sometimes, they’re given to players who might potentially provide AHL depth (see: Paul Bissonnette). Sometimes, you’ll see one for players who haven’t made a splash in the NHL but have some potential (see: Lucas Lessio). Sometimes, you just are short on goalies (see: Tom McCollum). Most often though, it’s a “show me” offer: one last shot for a veteran who’s had a long career and might have something left in the tank. Those guys usually get sent home if they don’t make the team. And they usually don’t make the team.