The Lightning should consider taking a chance on this forward with a PTO.
The Tampa Bay Lightning should be open to the idea of inviting a player or two to their training camp on a professional tryout (PTO) agreement. When looking at their current roster, it would not hurt for them to add more competition for training camp.
When looking at the UFAs still available for the taking, James van Riemsdyk is one player who could make sense for the Lightning to take a look at on a PTO.
van Riemsdyk may not be the same top-six forward he once was, but he has shown that he can still produce solid secondary offensive production. In 72 games last season with the Detroit Red Wings, the 6-foot-3 winger posted 15 goals, 16 assists, and 31 points. With numbers like these, he could make sense for the Bolts to bring in on a PTO.
The Lightning could use more offense in their bottom six, and van Riemsdyk could provide them with just that if he earned a contract for the season. Keep in mind, just back in 2024-25 with the Columbus Blue Jackets, he also posted 16 goals and 36 points in 71 games.
With this, there would be no harm in the Lightning taking a chance on JVR with a PTO. If he did not see him as a fit, they could simply release him from it and not sign him for the season.
