14 Year NHL Veteran and Edmonton Oiler Set to Return to The NHL

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Skyler Walker
September 2, 2023 (1:10 PM)

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Experienced NHL winger is exploring the possibility of coming back to North America for the upcoming season after a stint in Switzerland, as per Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal.

International Sojourn

Tyler Ennis spent 13 NHL seasons and precisely 700 regular-season games, Ennis took his talents overseas for the first time last year, signing with Swiss National League team SC Bern. Despite competing in a comparatively weaker league, Ennis demonstrated his ability to contribute at a high level, tallying 33 points (13 goals and 20 assists) in 37 games.

After a promising resurgence with the Ottawa Senators in 2021-22, where he recorded 24 points in 57 games, Ennis's strong showing in Switzerland hints at his potential to replicate his performance in a bottom-six role in the NHL. At 33 years old, the diminutive winger believes he still has quality hockey left in him and desires a return to the NHL.

Drafted 26th overall in 2008, Ennis has experienced a mix of ups and downs throughout his career. Battling injuries during his prime, he couldn't fully realize the potential he displayed with multiple 20-goal seasons as a Buffalo Sabres player. However, he has remained a valuable depth contributor in recent years, moving between Canadian teams like Ottawa, Edmonton, and Toronto.

The Path Ahead

While Ennis hopes for a professional tryout (PTO) from a Western Conference NHL team, Matheson notes that Ennis has other options in Switzerland if a PTO doesn't materialize. The 2023-24 season presents Ennis with the chance to either return to the NHL or continue his successful journey in the Swiss league.