Every September, the NHL performs the same rite: agents bombard front offices with phone calls, free agents seek one last chance, and general managers debate whether a professional tryout invitation is worth the roster hassle. This year, the discussion has taken a little bit different tone in Edmonton, with Stan Bowman giving the kind of non-committal response that keeps people wondering.
The Oilers GM admitted on Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer earlier this week that his phone had been ringing nonstop with agents touting their clients for training camp invitations. However, his response fell somewhere between “possibly” and “probably not,” and it is important to analyze what that entails for a squad with genuine goaltending concerns.
Bowman’s balancing act between logistics and necessity
Although he didn’t exactly open the door, Bowman didn’t rule out the possibility of taking someone on a PTO. He said to Stauffer that the club has had internal discussions about it and that there are still some good players on the market seeking for possibilities.
“We aren’t swarming with players, but we also aren’t short of players,” Bowman added. “We are currently considering bringing someone in for a tryout, which is not the worst thing we could do.”
However, the most important disclaimer was then made. The training camp is shorter than average this year, and the preseason has only four games. There isn’t much time left to adequately evaluate someone new. Only two more tryout players could realistically be seen in, Bowman noted, since the main roster will consume two of those exhibition games.
The general manager stated, “You could get to know them a little, observe them practice, but it’s a difficult year for that.” I just think I wouldn’t be waiting for the announcement that we’re bringing in new players, I wouldn’t rule it out.
The Oilers have a long history of utilizing PTOs, and it hasn’t always been easy. The golden standard is still Alex Chiasson’s 22-goal outburst in 2018, and Sam Gagner’s contract in 2023 allowed him to remain with the team throughout their journey to the Stanley Cup Final. However, for every triumph, there is a Travis Dermott, who was acquired on waivers after only 10 games, or a Jake Virtanen situation.
All around us is the Goaltending Question.
The state of Edmonton’s goaltending is what makes this year’s PTO discussion more than just the usual offseason noise. Frederik Andersen has an undisclosed injury and won’t be back until at least October 20. Tristan Jarry is the clear starter entering camp, as that timetable pushes his availability far past the beginning of the regular season.
Their figures from last season did not give much confidence to either goalie. Over 33 appearances, Jarry’s save percentage was .882, while Andersen’s was .874 over 35 games. For a squad that finished 14th overall with 93 points and a 41-30-11 record, those figures indicate a real weakness.
If Andersen’s recovery experiences any difficulty and the October 20 date moves back further, the discussion about bringing in goaltending depth on a tryout might quickly move from theoretical to pressing.
