NHL 2023-2024 season starts on October 10, 2023. With prospect tournaments being held currently, full-team practices are expected to begin shortly. All teams have signed multiple players to Professional Tryout (PTO) contracts for the duration of their training camps.
PTO contracts offer players the opportunity to showcase their skills and earn a spot on a team's regular-season roster. This year, several seasoned veterans and promising talents are set to participate in training camps on PTOs.
Here's a look at the players who will be trying out at NHL training camps:
Zach Aston-Reese (Carolina Hurricanes, LW, RW, 29): Aston-Reese, a versatile player capable of filling roles on both the left wing and right wing, has been added to the Carolina Hurricanes' roster at the age of 29.
Josh Bailey (Ottawa Senators, RW, LW, C, 33): Bailey, a seasoned 33-year-old forward with the flexibility to play on the right wing, left wing, and center positions, has joined the Ottawa Senators.
Nick Ritchie (St. Louis Blues, LW, 27): Ritchie, a 27-year-old left winger, is set to make an impact with the St. Louis Blues.
Kieffer Bellows (Carolina Hurricanes, LW, RW, 25): Bellows, a forward with the ability to play on both the left wing and right wing, has joined the Carolina Hurricanes at the age of 25.
Alex Chiasson (Boston Bruins, RW, 32): Chiasson, a 32-year-old right winger, brings his experience and skills to the Boston Bruins.
Maxime Comtois (Vegas Golden Knights, LW, 24): Comtois, a 24-year-old left winger, is now part of the Vegas Golden Knights' lineup.
Adam Erne (Edmonton Oilers, LW, RW, 28): Erne, a versatile forward who can play on both the left wing and right wing, has joined the Edmonton Oilers at the age of 28.
Jayden Halbgewachs (Carolina Hurricanes, LW, C, 26): Halbgewachs, a 26-year-old forward who can play as both a left winger and center, is now a member of the Carolina Hurricanes.
Colin White (Pittsburgh Penguins, RW, C, 26): White, a versatile forward with the ability to play as both a right winger and center, joins the Pittsburgh Penguins at the age of 26.
Max Willman (New Jersey Devils, LW, 28): Willman, a left winger, has joined the New Jersey Devils at the age of 28.
Colin White (Pittsburgh Penguins, RW, C, 26): White, a versatile forward with the ability to play as both a right winger and center, joins the Pittsburgh Penguins at the age of 26.
Saku Maenalanen (Colorado Avalanche, RW, LW, 29): Maenalanen, a 29-year-old winger capable of playing on both the right and left sides, brings his talents to the Colorado Avalanche.
Brandon Halverson (Dallas Stars, G, 27): Halverson takes on the role of goaltender for the Dallas Stars, adding his skills and experience at the age of 27.
Jean-Francois Berube (Los Angeles Kings, G, 32): Berube joins the Kings as a goaltender, bringing his experience to the team at the age of 32.
Peter Diliberatore (Arizona Coyotes, LD, 23): Diliberatore, a 23-year-old defenseman, is set to contribute to the Coyotes' blue line.
Ryan Dzingel (Arizona Coyotes, LW, RW, C, 31): Dzingel, a versatile forward capable of playing multiple positions, is part of the Coyotes' lineup at the age of 31.
Noah Gregor (Toronto Maple Leafs, LW, RW, 25): Gregor, a 25-year-old forward, will be showcasing his skills for the Maple Leafs.
Danton Heinen (Boston Bruins, LW, RW, 28): Heinen, a winger with experience, joins the Bruins at the age of 28.
Stefan Matteau (Columbus Blue Jackets, LW, 29): Matteau, a left winger, is set to contribute to the Blue Jackets' lineup at 29.
Dylan Wells (Nashville Predators, G, 25): Wells, a 25-year-old goaltender, adds depth to the Predators' goaltending roster.
Zack Kassian (Anaheim Ducks, RW, 32): The former Edmonton Oilers winger is set to try out at the Ducks' training camp. Kassian brings veteran experience and decent minutes off the bench.
Jordie Benn (Dallas Stars, LD/RD, 36): A physical presence in the blue line, Benn is looking to provide leadership and stability for the Stars' defense.
Libor Hajek (Pittsburgh Penguins, LD, 25): A young defenseman still developing his game, Hajek is looking to earn a spot on the Penguins' roster.
Cameron Hillis (Detroit Red Wings, C, 23): A promising young center, Hillis is looking to make an impact in his first full NHL season.
Joel Kiviranta (Colorado Avalanche, RW, LW, 27): A good goal scorer, Kiviranta is looking to build on his breakout season in 2022-23.
Mark Pysyk (Pittsburgh Penguins, RD, 31): A versatile defenseman, Pysyk is looking to provide depth on the Penguins' blue line.
Nick Shore (Carolina Hurricanes, C, 30): A good two-way center, Shore is looking to provide stability and leadership for the Hurricanes' center ice.
Austin Wagner (Pittsburgh Penguins, RW, LW, 26): A good skater, Wagner is looking to earn a spot on the Penguins' roster.
Nathan Beaulieu (Carolina Hurricanes, LD/RD, 30): Beaulieu, a versatile defenseman capable of playing on both the left and right side, brings experience and defensive skills to the Hurricanes' training camp.
Alex Chiasson (Boston Bruins, RW, 32): Chiasson, a right winger with a scoring touch, aims to impress the Bruins' coaching staff with his offensive capabilities and veteran presence.
Aaron Dell (Columbus Blue Jackets, G, 34): As a goaltender, Dell will be vying for a backup role or a spot as a third-string option within the Blue Jackets' goaltending rotation.
Sam Gagner (Edmonton Oilers, RW/C, 34): Gagner's versatility as both a right winger and center, along with his experience, will be assets as he competes for a place on the Oilers' roster.
Scott Harrington (Anaheim Ducks, LD, 30): Harrington's defensive skills and experience on the blue line make him a candidate to bolster the Ducks' defensive depth.
Peter Holland (Colorado Avalanche, C, 32): Holland, a center with offensive capabilities, will aim to demonstrate his value and potentially earn a roster spot with the Avalanche.
Nicolas Meloche (Columbus Blue Jackets, RD, 26): Meloche, a right-handed defenseman, will compete for a spot on the Blue Jackets' blue line, showcasing his defensive abilities.
Nathan Schnarr (Columbus Blue Jackets, C, 24): As a young center, Schnarr will look to prove himself and make a case for a regular role on the Blue Jackets' forward lines.
Brandon Sutter (Edmonton Oilers, RW/C, 34): Sutter's versatility in playing both right-wing and center, combined with his experience, could make him a valuable addition to the Oilers' lineup.
Austin Watson (Tampa Bay Lightning, RW/LW, 31): Watson's ability to play on both wings and his physical style of play could earn him a spot on the Lightning's roster.
These players will join their respective NHL teams' training camps with the hope of demonstrating their skills, work ethic, and potential contributions to the squad. PTO contracts provide a unique opportunity for both players and NHL teams to assess one another, as players aim to earn standard player contracts for the upcoming season.