When the New York Islanders offered Stephen Gionta a professional tryout (PTO) back in the summer, the thought was he would round out the practice roster and maybe find his way to Bridgeport for the start of the season.
But after picking up an injury some two weeks later and was then never heard from again, everything felt right with the world.
Stephen Gionta would be able to sit back and heal and come back to hockey outside of the NHL when he was fully fit. The Isles would the inevitable temptation to sign a gritty veteran to take up a roster spot that provided little to the organization.