Vancouver Canucks Reportedly Change Signing Strategy for Free Agent Acquisitions
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The Vancouver Canucks reportedly may not go down the professional tryout (PTO) route this year as training camp is set to open up in Penticton in less than two weeks.
Excitement is in the air in Vancouver as the Canucks are getting close to returning to the ice, with their first game of the preseason set for Sunday, September 21st against the Seattle Kraken.
Patrik Allvin and the team's front office were hoping to make another addition before training camp begins, but with a lack of dance partners on the trade market and not many quality free agents still available, they're reportedly comfortable starting the year with how their roster stands currently.
Despite that, there was some thought that Patrik Allvin could dabble in the free agent market and bring a player to camp on a professional tryout (PTO), but some new information has come to light that all but shut down that possibility.
Vancouver Canucks reportedly may avoid PTO route before training camp
In order to give those already in the system a fair chance to prove themselves during training camp, it looks like the Vancouver Canucks won't be bringing anyone in on a PTO in the coming weeks.
Ben Kuzma of The Province believes that because the team has a logjam in the bottom-six right now, with five, maybe six players competing for just one spot on the opening night roster, this might be the year to pass on inviting anyone to training camp on a PTO.
"Awarding a professional tryout is always an option, but it shouldn't be a pressing pursuit as the Vancouver Canucks prepare to open their three-day training camp Sept. 18 in Penticton. They have much bigger concerns, like landing a proven support centre via trade or free agency.
With several in-house forwards competing for a roster spot in Aatu Raty, Linus Karlsson, Max Sasson, Arshdeep Bains and Jonathan Lekkerimaki - and rookie head coach Adam Foote more consumed by cementing structure and systems to ensure his club breaks smartly from the gate - this is the year to pass on an invite." Kuzma said.
With several in-house forwards competing for a roster spot in Aatu Raty, Linus Karlsson, Max Sasson, Arshdeep Bains and Jonathan Lekkerimaki - and rookie head coach Adam Foote more consumed by cementing structure and systems to ensure his club breaks smartly from the gate - this is the year to pass on an invite." Kuzma said.
Passing on signing anyone to professional tryouts this fall would be a wise decision by the team's management group as aside from maybe Jack Roslovic, there isn't anyone available that would be worth having on the opening night roster over someone like Linus Karlsson or Arshdeep Bains, for example.
The bottom-six battle is going to be very interesting to keep an eye on throughout camp and some of those guys will certainly be given every opportunity to prove themselves throughout the preseason, so don't be surprised if you see Jonathan Lekkerimaki, Max Sasson and others in the lineup for 75-80% of those games, that way Adam Foote has a good idea of what he's dealing with ahead of opening night.
Source: Ben Kuzma/The Province
Canucks: Why this is the year to pass on professional tryouts
Canucks: Why this is the year to pass on professional tryouts
Previously on CanucksDaily
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 6 | 1300 ANSWERS Vancouver Canucks Reportedly Change Signing Strategy for Free Agent Acquisitions Do you think the Vancouver Canucks should bring a player or two to training camp on a PTO? | ||
| Yes | 865 | 66.5 % |
| No | 435 | 33.5 % |
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