NHL: Vancouver Canucks at Montreal Canadiens - Source: Imagn — Looking at three potential professional tryout candidates for the Vancouver Canucks heading into training camp (Image credit: Imagn)

3 PTO signings that make sense for Vancouver Canucks

Modified Sep 07, 2024 18:15 GMT

The Vancouver Canucks are preparing to enter the 2024-25 NHL season after finishing last year with the best record in the Pacific Division. With training camp right around the corner, several NHL veterans could be tapped for professional tryout contracts.

In July, the team announced that their training camp for the 2024-25 season would take place from Sep. 19-22 in Penticton, British Columbia. The Canucks will then shift their focus to the preseason, which will kick off with a Sep. 24 meeting against the Seattle Kraken, followed by a game against the Calgary Flames the next night.

Leading up to training camp, several NHL vets could follow in the footsteps of other players who went from PTOs to key contributors. With the free agency pool drying up, more teams are likely to look at tryout contracts to fill out their rosters.

Three PTO signings that make sense for the Vancouver Canucks

#1: Blake Wheeler

Last summer, Wheeler signed with the New York Rangers on a one-year contract, playing 54 regular season games and logging 21 points (9 goals, 12 assists).

While he is certainly in the twilight years of his career and has been open about potentially hanging up his skates, the two-time All-Star's resume can't be denied. As the Winnipeg Jets all-time points and assists leader, he's likely a favorite to earn a one-year contract after a PTO.

#2: Cal Clutterbuck

Another player in the twilight years of his career, Clutterbuck could bring a veteran presence to the Vancouver Canucks' defensive lines, while reprising his role in the league as a standout penalty killer.

While the free agent may not perform at the same rate he once did, he showed last season with 19 points (seven goals, 12 assists) that, when healthy, he still has much to offer despite approaching 37 years old.

#3: Kailer Yamomoto

While veteran players like Wheeler are good candidates for PTOs, the same can be said for young players like Kailer Yamamoto. Drafted 22nd by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2017 draft, Yamamoto hasn't lived up to expectations as of late.

After being traded to the Detroit Red Wings and bought out, he signed a one-year deal with the Seattle Kraken last year, where he logged 16 points (8 goals, 8 assists). Now, as a free agent, a PTO with the Vancouver Canucks could be his best option to stay in the league. Although he underperformed last year, it wasn't that long ago that he was playing key minutes in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Also Read: 3 biggest questions facing Vancouver Canucks ahead of 2024 training camp