The NHL’s pre-season is an opportunity for free agents on tryouts to demonstrate and not explain why they deserve another deal. Every season, just a few succeed, while the majority fail.
The Edmonton Oilers released Mike Hoffman from his professional tryout (PTO) on Monday, while the Vancouver Canucks cut Sammy Blais, and the Ottawa Senators released Nikolay Kulemin in his attempted NHL comeback.
That said, a collection of names remains on tryouts ahead of the NHL’s regular season. Who among the remaining players has the best shot at playing out the season? THN.com discussed three of these four players at the beginning of the pre-season, and based on each team’s needs and their play so far, they’re still looking likely to get a spot.
TYSON BARRIE, D, CALGARY FLAMES
Barrie could get a contract in Calgary, where the 33-year-old has a previous connection to coach Ryan Huska from their time with the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets.
Barrie posted 15 points – one goal and 14 assists – in 41 games for the Nashville Predators last season. Those aren’t great numbers for an offensive defenseman.
That said, Barrie has 109 goals and 396 assists for 505 points in 809 regular-season games for the Predators, Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Colorado Avalanche. And in three pre-season games so far this year, Barrie has three assists and is a plus-2.
At one time, Barrie was a top-pairing offensive defenseman capable of quarterbacking a power play.
The Flames, at the very least, might see him as a potential trade deadline asset who can be flipped.
Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli said in a recent episode of the DFO Rundown that it’s a “foregone conclusion” at this point that Barrie will sign with the Flames.
TRAVIS DERMOTT, D, EDMONTON OILERS
Under normal circumstances, the Edmonton Oilers probably wouldn’t need to keep a player like Travis Dermott. But because the team is light on their blueline and don’t know if they have a capable No. 4 right defenseman, Dermott might get a longer look than pre-season.
He doesn’t shoot right-handed, but the Oilers could at least have some flexibility to move guys around. Brett Kulak could play on the right if someone like Ty Emberson doesn’t work out, and Dermott could slot in on the left or in a No. 7 role.
The 27-year-old had two goals and seven points in 50 games with the Arizona Coyotes last season. Dermott also has 62 points in 329 regular-season games with the Coyotes, Vancouver Canucks and Maple Leafs. He’s got some playoff experience, as well, which might matter down the line. The Edmonton Journal’s Jim Matheson said Dermott could be offered a two-way contract at the end of camp and rotate between the AHL and NHL.
Dermott has an assist in four pre-season games.
TYLER JOHNSON, C, BOSTON BRUINS
If it weren’t for the drama unfolding in Boston with Jeremy Swayman, Tyler Johnson could likely have already signed a contract with the Bruins. Because the goaltending situation is dragging out, the Bruins might keep their options and cap space open.
Johnson, 34, has an assist in two pre-season appearances after posting 17 goals and 31 points in 67 games for the Chicago Blackhawks last season. He also has 431 points in 738 regular-season games for the Blackhawks and Lightning. Johnson won the Cup with Tampa Bay in 2020 and 2021, and he’s the kind of player the Bruins would probably like to have, given they lack some depth on offense compared to recent seasons.
Johnson hasn’t shown much in pre-season. He’s played two games and has one assist, averaging just over 13 minutes per game. He’s only got two shots on goal. Johnson will need to show well in a couple more pre-season games, or he’s potentially set to change the organization’s mind about keeping him. Bruins GM Don Sweeney says Johnson is in competition with “several guys.”
That said, top prospects, such as Fabian Lysell, Georgii Merkulov, Trevor Kuntar and Riley Duran were all sent down to the Providence Bruins of the AHL to start the 2024-2025 season. This is good news for Johnson.
Max Pacioretty, LW, Toronto Maple Leafs
Max Pacioretty’s deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs might be the easiest one to call. There was speculation that his PTO was little more than a formality and a tryout in name only. The Leafs brought him in over the summer to get medicals done, and it seemed clear their intention was always to sign him.
With two goals and three points in two pre-season contests, he’s looking like he’ll be a fit once they find space to sign him.
The 35-year-old had 23 points, including four goals and 19 assists, in 47 regular-season games for the Washington Capitals last season. He’s a proven scorer, but his health has been an issue in recent seasons.
In two pre-season games, Pacioretty has two goals and one assist. He’s averaging 15:39 per game and has a plus-2 rating. Those are top six numbers on a strong offensive team.
