As NHL training camps approach, players who haven't earned a UFA contract will be eyed as potential PTO candidates. For the Edmonton Oilers, who are watching every penny, that could open the door to some potential opportunities. There’s still value to be found in professional tryouts (PTOs)—low-risk contracts that give unsigned players a chance to earn a spot in camp. The Oilers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers] could explore this to add depth at every position. There are a few possibilities that stand out. Here are four logical PTO candidates that make sense for Edmonton. ILYA SAMSONOV If the Oilers are still looking to make changes at the goaltending position, one of the most intriguing PTO options is former Maple Leafs starter Ilya Samsonov. The 28-year-old goaltender remains unsigned after some very public steps back in his career. Samsonov had a .919 save percentage and 27 wins in 42 games just two seasons ago. But an emotional arbitration hearing in 2023 and inconsistent play since then have left him without a home. While Samsonov may no longer project as a full-time starter, the Oilers may have already deduced that the best they can do this summer is an upgrade over backup Calvin Pickard. Pickard was steady last year in limited action, but some would argue there’s room for improvement. Wheter Samsonov is that guy remains unclear. A PTO would allow Edmonton to evaluate Samsonov without financial risk. If he performs well, he could sign a two-way deal or become an in-season option should injuries strike or performance dip. It wouldn't be the worst thing in the world for the Oilers to carry three goalies if they're not sold that they two they haven't aren't up to the task. KLIM KOSTIN Klim Kostin could be another smart PTO target. Formerly with the Oilers, Kostin quickly became fan favorite in Edmonton during the 2022-23 season. It was a bit of a surprise he didn't earn a longer stint. He signed a two-year deal with the Detroit Red Wings, which didn't pan out. He moved onto the San Jose Sharks, and again, it didn't quite work. His best run was with the Oilers, and he seemed to enjoy his time in Edmonton more than anywhere else. Kostin’s $2 million cap hit is nowhere near what he would cost today. Edmonton lost several depth forwards who had a bit of an edge over the past two summers. Among them were Corey Perry, Dylan Holloway, Warren Foegele, and Evander Kane. Kostin could bring back some of that sandpaper quality. He would be happy, even if he wasn't a regular. He’s expressed his love for Edmonton on several ocassions and even attended playoff games as a fan, suggesting a return would be welcomed on both sides. Who’s Worth Bringing Back? Oilers Fans Debate 3 Forward Returns [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/b57adf02-d0bb-4afd-8776-0b80aba76f4b.webp] Who’s Worth Bringing Back? Oilers Fans Debate 3 Forward Returns As part of their quest to save money and get younger, the Edmonton Oilers parted ways with several forwards this offseason. Key among them were Connor Brown, Corey Perry, and Evander Kane. An interesting question <a href="https://x.com/OilersNation/status/1951342167047414217">popped up on social media</a>: if the team could have kept just one, who should it have been? [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/latest-news/who-s-worth-bringing-back-oilers-fans-debate-3-forward-returns] MAX PACIORETTY Max Pacioretty remains one of the more interesting names left on the market. At 36, the former 30-goal scorer is well past his prime, and injuries have severely limited his availability over the last two seasons. But if healthy, the veteran winger could fill a valuable depth scoring and leadership role—much like Corey Perry did last season. Pacioretty is a streaky scorer, but when he scores, he scores in bunches. David Staples of the Edmonton Journal [https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/cult-of-hockey/edmonton-oilers-toronto-maple-leafs-max-pacioretty] sees Pacioretty as a possible fit for the Oilers. Signing him would be a risk, which is potentially what makes a PTO more attractive. It's something Pacioretty has done before, so it's not out of the realm of realistic. The downside here is that Edmonton is trending younger and faster, which makes Pacioretty’s style a potential mismatch. Still, if he comes into camp, looks healthy, and is open to signing a near-league-minimum contract—similar to the type of deal Perry signed for last year—Pacioretty could be a worthwhile depth add. At the very least, he would be insurance for younger players like Matt Savoie or Isaac Howard. It's key for the Oilers to remember they are placing a lot of responsibility on the shoulders of two young prospects with little to no NHL experience. Having a Plan B isn't the worst idea. Related: Insider Pitches Unique Team-Friendly Deal For Connor McDavid [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/latest-news/insider-pitches-unique-team-friendly-deal-for-connor-mcdavid] CARTER HART Speculation about Carter Hart to the Oilers has circulated online, but for now, it’s just that—speculation. Hart remains ineligible to sign with any NHL team following his connection to the 2018 Hockey Canada investigation. Though he was acquitted alongside four other players, the NHL has not cleared him to return. NHL: Colorado Avalanche at Phila...Carter Hart© Kyle Ross | 2024 Jan 20 [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/92810252-b208-42de-8a2f-a7a1b757d6b9.jpeg] NHL: Colorado Avalanche at Phila...Carter Hart© Kyle Ross | 2024 Jan 20 According to Frank Seravalli of Bleacher Report [https://x.com/BR_OpenIce/status/1950255683577770383], Hart is a “non-starter” for Edmonton—or any team—until Commissioner Gary Bettman’s office issues a formal ruling. The league is still reviewing the case, and teams have been instructed not to pursue the players involved. If things change, the one "out" the Oilers might have if they're interested in Hart is a PTO contract. If Hart were interested in a fresh start, but the Oilers weren't sure what kind of heat signing him would bring, they could invite him to camp, test the waters and cut bait if the blowback gets to be too much. Edmonton’s situation in goal isn’t so dire that this is the best course of action. There's also the chance that another team signs him to a contract if cleared by the NHL to return. For now, the Oilers are expected to begin the season with Skinner and Pickard. WHO WOULD BE THE BEST FIT? PTOs can be hidden gems for contenders like Edmonton. The Oilers don’t need major roster surgery—they need fine-tuning. As for who makes the most sense on a PTO, a familiar presence in Kostin gets my vote. None are perfect, but he offers a different kind of potential upside with almost no cost or risk associated to the deal. He's relative healthy, he doesn't come with baggage, and he's likely open to whatever role the team deems fitting.
