5 Free Agents Expected to Sign PTO's for 2025-26
The NHL's free agent market is very thin as the offseason heads into it's second full month. While there's some talent at the top in Jack Roslovic still out there, after the scoring winger, the talent falls off considerably, and it's very likely several NHL veterans will have to due with professional tryout agreements before training camps open.
Max Pacioretty and Steven Lorentz turned their PTO's into contracts, and an extension for Lorentz, so it's not uncommon to see some success down this avenue. As for who could be the success story this season, here's five free agents who are expected to sign professional tryouts with an invitation to training camp:
James Reimer
The veteran netminder has yet to announce his retirement, and with several teams lacking veteran depth in their three hole, Reimer could play in a couple of preseason games, showcase he's still capable of stopping NHL shots, and push for perhaps eventually - a two-way deal. He will however have to likely settle for a PTO to catch on with a team for training camp.
Luke Kunin
Kunin went from a talked about trade candidate ahead of last season's deadline, and linked to several contenders, to a free-agent fourth-line center without a home to start August. Kunin appeared in 12 games for the Blue Jackets after a deadline deal from the San Jose Sharks and didn't hit the scoresheet. He's a defense-first type of pivot, who can kill penalties and help shut opponents down. But, he will however have to show he has some offensive abilities in order to stick around the NHL longer term.
Jakub Vrana
Vrana has dealt with his fair share of adversity, on and off the ice, and at just 28 years old, there's still plenty of untapped potential to his game. His best season came back in 2019-20 with the Washington Capitals when he scored 25 goals, and 52 points in 69 games, and last season, spent it split between the Caps and Nashville Predators. The former first-round pick recorded nine goals and 14 points in 39 games last season, and in the right situation could be a bounce-back candidate.
Max Pacioretty
It's surprising Pacioretty hasn't signed a one-year deal somewhere in the league, considering how strong of a playoffs he had with the Maple Leafs. It's likely going to be a similar situation for the veteran winger, who will sign a 'PTO', but have a one-year contract in his back pocket. Keep an eye on the Red Wings here.
Jimmy Vesey
It feels like Vesey has to showcase himself every training camp to win a roster spot, and this year likely won't be much different. The veteran winger has yet to sign a new deal, and is coming off a eight points in 43 NHL game season in 2024-25. Vesey has proven he can play top-nine minutes in the past, so don't be surprised to see a team hand him a PTO and a invite to camp in a few weeks. * Vesey signed a two-year deal to play in Switzerland.
Photo crdit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
.jpg)
