With NHL training camps just about here, several players without contracts for the 2024-25 season have landed professional tryout (PTO) agreements. Some notable players who have secured PTOs include Tyler Johnson (Boston Bruins), Jakub Vrana (Washington Capitals), Max Pacioretty (Toronto Maple Leafs), and Tyson Barrie (Calgary Flames).
Vegas Golden Knights right wing Phil Kessel (8)
The Tampa Bay Lightning signed Logan Brown to a PTO last month, but it would not hurt for them to invite another forward to training camp with him. When looking at their current roster, it is apparent that they could use more depth at the right wing position. Because of this, one intriguing PTO candidate for Tampa Bay is Phil Kessel.
On the most recent episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, Elliotte Friedman reported that Kessel's hope is to play in 2024-25. This comes after the 36-year-old winger did not find a home for the 2023-24 season.
During the 2022-23 season with the Vegas Golden Knights, Kessel displayed that he could still provide decent depth offensive production. In 82 games, the 2006 fifth-overall pick had 14 goals and 36 points. With the Lightning needing more secondary scoring, a player like Kessel could be worth taking a gamble on with a PTO.
If the Lightning signed Kessel to a PTO, he would provide them with another option to consider for their middle six and second power-play unit. As noted above, their depth at the right wing position is not the strongest heading into 2024-25, so Kessel could create more competition at training camp.
In 1,286 career NHL games split between the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, Arizona Coyotes, and Golden Knights, Kessel has 413 goals, 579 assists, and 992 points. He also has plenty of playoff success, having won three Stanley Cups over his 17-year career.
