Washington Capitals Hand Out PTO Ahead of NHL Training Camps

There are a number of notable unrestricted free agents still waiting for deals around the NHL. The first PTO (professional tryout) has been handed out to an NHL free agent, as the Washington Capitals will bring goalie Cal Peterson into camp to give him a look-see. 

Goaltender Cal Petersen will join the Washington Capitals' 2026 Training Camp on a professional tryout agreement.

— Capitals PR (@CapitalsPR) August 25, 2026

Peterson will join a crowded crease during Caps' training camp. In addition to the regular tandem of Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren, Clay Stevenson and Mitch Gibson will also be in camp.

Peterson, 31, is a six-year NHL veteran, but he last appeared in the league in the 2024-25 season, with the Philadelphia Flyers, getting into just five games. He spent all of last season with his home state Iowa Wild in the AHL, posting an .896 save percentage and a 2.73 goals against average. 

He spent the first five years of his career with the LA Kings. He was a 5th round selection of the Buffalo Sabres in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. He eventually signed with the Kings as a college free agent.

In 106 NHL games (98 starts), Peterson has a career .903 Sv% and a 2.96 GAA.