Several PTO candidates are available to the Oilers.

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Ryan Hall
August 22, 2023 (1:17)

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Any competent NHL general manager would explore all avenues to improve their team, whether through waivers, trades, unrestricted free agency, or PTOs. Recently, General Manager Ken Holland signed Brandon Sutter, the former Vancouver Canucks center, on a PTO.

Sutter, who battled long COVID symptoms for the past two years, believes he is ready to return to the league and make another attempt. The Oilers took a chance on him to assess his potential impact.

One of the key advantages of a PTO is that if a player fails to meet management and coaching expectations, they can be released from the team without financial burden on the ownership. Numerous players are still available and could be considered for PTOs with the Oilers.

Former fan favourite and repeat Oiler, Sam Gagner, has been rumoured to be rejoining the Oilers for a third stint by signing a PTO later this month. While nothing has been confirmed, his presence would undoubtedly strengthen their bottom-six lineup and provide a valuable option for the power play due to his veteran experience.

Surprisingly, former Anaheim Ducks forward Max Comtois was not retained by his California team. Despite playing on a struggling team, he managed to accumulate 33 points during the 2022-2023 season. Many teams are likely to view Comtois as a potential late signing for added depth, making him a suitable candidate for the Oilers. Additionally, at just 24 years old, he offers a youthful advantage.

As Ken Holland continues to seek defensive improvements, another player to consider is Mark Pysyk. After recovering from an injury that kept him sidelined for the entire 2022-2023 season, Pysyk is eager for a new contract and aims to demonstrate his capabilities in the league. Offering him a PTO would be a worthwhile risk for the Oilers to assess his performance and potential fit within the team.

A right-shot defenseman like Pysyk could provide depth for the Oilers, potentially in their bottom or even second pairing, depending on his performance.

As the summer winds down, more PTO signings are expected from the Oilers. This strategy offers a cost-effective opportunity for significant gains with minimal risk.