Oilers May Consider Two Potential PTOs for Help

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Ryan Hall
August 7, 2023 (8:39)

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General managers across the NHL will explore every avenue possible to upgrade their teams, considering trades and unrestricted free-agency signings as their primary options. However, if these avenues do not yield the desired results, there is an alternative method of finding players who can help due to previous issues with other teams or health troubles.

This method is called a player tryout, otherwise known as a PTO. During a PTO, an unrestricted free agent is invited to the team's training camp to showcase their talents to the management and coaching staff to determine if they fit into the team's plan.

Teams facing salary cap issues often look to PTOs as a way to acquire players at very low costs. The Oilers, in particular, are one such team that might benefit from PTOs. According to Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal, there are two targeted players the Oilers could consider to strengthen their roster.

The first option is Nolan Patrick, who was the second overall pick in the first round by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2017. Standing at six feet and two inches, Patrick has played 222 games, scoring 32 goals with 45 assists for a total of 77 points. However, he currently holds a -36 plus-minus rating.

In his three seasons with the Flyers, he faced constant injuries, including upper body injuries and concussions, which have affected his consistency in the NHL. If the Oilers are willing to take a chance on Patrick now that he has had time to recover, his size and position as a center could be beneficial for their bottom 6.

The second option is Colin White, who was the 21st overall pick for the Ottawa Senators in 2015. Throughout his career spanning 292 games, White has scored 44 goals and provided 69 assists, accumulating a total of 113 points.

However, he holds a -52 plus-minus rating and has 103 penalty minutes. White has spent six of his seven-year NHL career with the Senators and one season with the Florida Panthers, where he played 68 games and scored eight goals with seven assists, totalling 15 points. Given his lack of injury problems and ability to contribute points, White could be a depth option on a cap-friendly deal, around $1,000,000.

If Ken Holland chooses to pursue this route and these players are selected for PTOs, it would signify the depth the Oilers need to build on as they continue their pursuit of reaching the Stanley Cup finals.