4 Teams Linked To Matt Grzelcyk Despite PTO With Blackhawks

The top remaining UFA defenseman, Matt Grzelcyk, finally signed some sort of deal with a team after going the entire offseason without a contract, and it came in the form of a PTO with the Chicago Blackhawks. But just because he signed a PTO, doesn't mean that another team can't come in and sign him, likely after seeing how their own players do and how Grzelcyk looks in preseason action.

While the Blackhawks have Grzelcyk at their camp, I don't think he is the right fit with the talent on that back-end, especially since the team is rebuilding and needs space to continue to see who will be a key part of the future or not. Due to that, I do think he will end up signing with another team before the season.

According to Pierre LeBrun, "The (Ottawa) Senators, (Colorado) Avalanche, (New York) Islanders, and (Anaheim) Ducks would be other potential situations to monitor for Grzelcyk."

Grzelcyk played over 20.5 minutes per game last season, if a left-shot that can play both sides, and scored a goal and 40 points. He also spent time on both special teams units, so while his offensive numbers might've been a tad inflated based on his role with the Pittsburgh Penguins, he is still a capable d-man and should be an everyday NHL player.

The Senators should have some worry health-wise with their defensive group, and although there is someone like Nikolas Matinpalo who could end up as the seventh d-man, Grzelcyk is the much better option for a team with playoff hopes and who might need a top-4 replacement.

The Avalanche should also have some injury worries, but unlike the Senators, there is weaker organizational depth to choose from. It is very important for the Avalanche to win the division so they aren't stuck against the Winnipeg Jets or Dallas Stars in the first round, so they have to be all hands on deck and not lacking anywhere if Josh Manson, Sam Girard, or even Cale Makar misses time.

Seeing the Islanders name there is interesting as I don't feel like they need another defensive option, even with Noah Dobson being traded. Matthew Schaefer was drafted, Tony DeAngelo is still around, and depth options include Adam Boqvist, Ethan Bear, and Isaiah George.

The Ducks have playoff hopes, but also might be hesitant to put all the faith in their young d-men like Drew Helleson, Pavel Mintyukov, Olen Zellweger, Tristan Luneau, and Ian Moore. Another veteran to add to the less skilled Jacob Trouba and Radko Gudas makes some sense, but it also won't do great for the confidence of Mintyukov and Zellweger especially after being in and out of the lineup last season.