It is shocking that Matt Grzelcyk went so long without actually being signed after the 31-year-old put up 40 points on the Pittsburgh Penguins. But recently, the Chicago Blackhawks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks] signed him to a PTO. I will continue to argue that it was the decision to do so even though there is one veteran on the back-end. Regardless, the Blackhawks haven't actually signed Grzelcyk yet, just invited him to training camp. He will get reps with NHL players at NHL speed instead of training and working out somewhere else. Anyone signed to a PTO can sign with that team or any other team at any time, so that means a decision could be made and Grzelcyk goes elsewhere before the season. According to Pierre LeBrun, "The (Ottawa) Senators [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/ottawa-senators], (Colorado) Avalanche, (New York) Islanders, and (Anaheim) Ducks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/anaheim-ducks] would be other potential situations to monitor for Grzelcyk (in addition to Chicago). It would make more sense for a player that can absolutely help offensively to go to a team that isn't trying to get their young players in games like the Blackhawks. Chicago already has Alex Vlasic, Sam Rinzel, Artyom Levshunov, Wyatt Kaiser (recently extended), Connor Murphy, Kevin Korchinski, Nolan Allan, Ethan Del Mastro, and Louis Crevier. At least one of them are already going to have to start in the AHL, and that's before Grzelcyk enters the mix. The Senators, Avalanche, Islanders, and Ducks are all closer to the playoffs than the Blackhawks and could use depth that Grzelcyk will provide for cheap at this point of the offseason. Chicago doesn't and I think he winds up elsewhere before the 2025-26 season kicks off, probably after he's seen in a game or two. Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/] team site to stay updated on the latest news, game day coverage, player features, and more.
