Oilers Have More PTO Targets to Consider

Michael DeRosa

Aug 21, 2023, 16:31

Michael DeRosa

Aug 21, 2023, 16:31

After signing Brandon Sutter to a PTO, the Edmonton Oilers should not be done just yet.

The Edmonton Oilers made a small move earlier this month, signing Brandon Sutter to a PTO. This is great to see, as the 34-year-old center has missed each of the last two seasons due to Long COVID symptoms. Now, he will be fighting to earn a contract for the season from the club.

Although the Oilers have invited Sutter to camp, they should consider signing at least one more player to a PTO. Let's discuss a few possible targets.

Sam Gagner

There has been plenty of buzz about a potential Sam Gagner PTO with the Oilers, but the club has not officially announced it. It would be nice to see this occur, as the 34-year-old spent the first seven years of his NHL career as an Oiler, becoming a fan favorite. He also played two more years with them during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons. Now, will we see Gagner's third stint as an Oiler?

Gagner would provide the Oilers with another possible bottom-six and power-play option to consider if officially signed to a PTO. The 34-year-old spent last season with the Winnipeg Jets, posting eight goals and 14 points in 48 games.

Max Comtois

Max Comtois also stands out as a prime PTO target for the Oilers. After leading the Ducks with 33 points in 55 games during the 2020-21 season, he had back-to-back poor campaigns. This led to the Anaheim Ducks not sending him a qualifying offer. He has yet to find a new home since, so the Oilers should consider calling.

Comtois, 24, showed in the past that he could be an effective middle-six forward, and maybe he could find his game playing with a far stronger Oilers team. If he impressed at camp and earned himself a deal, he could compete for bottom-six minutes and power-play time.

Mark Pysyk

The 2022-23 season was an unfortunate one for Mark Pysyk. The Edmonton native missed the entire season due to injury, and the Detroit Red Wings opted not to bring him back earlier this summer. After missing a whole season, Pysyk is likely to settle for a PTO, and the Oilers would be wise to give him a call.

Throughout his NHL career, Pysyk has been a steady defenseman. If signed to a PTO, he would give the Oilers another right-shot defenseman to look at before the start of the year. If he earned himself a league-minimum deal with the Oilers, he would be an excellent option for the seventh defenseman role and could even compete for bottom-pairing minutes. He also offers great versatility by playing the wing, so he is a wonderful depth player to consider.