Unsigned veteran players can earn a contract with an NHL team by impressing enough in training camp on a professional tryout contract (PTO). Training camps open Sept. 21 and the regular season begins Oct. 7.
The following notable players (listed alphabetically) will be in an NHL camp on a PTO:
Zach Aston-ReeseToronto Maple Leafs
The 28-year-old forward had 15 points (five goals, 10 assists) in 69 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Anaheim Ducks last season; He was traded to the Ducks for a forward Rickard Rakell on March 21. Aston-Reese has 66 points (32 goals, 34 assists) in 230 regular-season games for the Penguins and Ducks, and four points (one goal, three assists) in 23 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
Calvin de HaanCarolina Hurricanes
The 31-year-old defenseman had eight points (four goals, four assists) in 69 games for the Chicago Blackhawks last season. De Haan played for the Hurricanes in 2018-19. He has 119 points (19 goals, 100 assists) in 520 regular-season games with the Blackhawks, Hurricanes and New York Islanders and five points (one goal, four assists) in 37 playoff games.
Danny DeKeyserVancouver Canucks
The 32-year-old defenseman had 11 assists in 59 games for the Detroit Red Wings last season. DeKeyser has 146 points (33 goals, 113 assists) in 547 regular-season games for the Red Wings and two points (one goal, one assist) in 19 playoff games.
Cody EakinCalgary Flames
The 31-year-old forward had 12 points (four goals, eight assists) in 69 games for the Buffalo Sabers last season. Eakin has 256 points (110 goals, 146 assists) in 701 regular-season games with the Washington Capitals, Dallas Stars, Vegas Golden Knights, Winnipeg Jets and Sabres, and 19 points (eight goals, 11 assists) in 50 playoff games.
Scott HarringtonSan Jose Sharks
The 29-year-old defenseman had one assist in seven games for the Columbus Blue Jackets last season. Harrington has 38 points (seven goals, 31 assists) in 210 regular-season games with the Penguins, Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jackets, and four assists in 14 playoff games.
Thomas HickeyNew Jersey Devils
The 33-year-old defenseman did not have a point in two games with the Islanders last season and had 18 points (six goals, 12 assists) in 44 games with Bridgeport and Ontario of the American Hockey League. Hickey has 117 points (22 goals, 95 assists) in 456 regular-season games for the Islanders and six points (one goal, five assists) in 24 playoff games.
Tyler Pitlick, St. Louis Blues
The 30-year-old forward had five points (one goal, four assists) in 39 games for the Calgary Flames and Montreal Canadiens last season; He was traded to the Canadiens with a forward prospect Emil Heinemanna first-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft and a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft for forward Tyler Toffoli on Feb. 14. Pitlick has 89 points (48 goals, 41 assists) in 325 regular-season games with the Edmonton Oilers, Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, Arizona Coyotes, Flames and Canadiens, and three points (two goals, one assist) in 22 playoff games. .
Eric StaalFlorida Panthers
The 37-year-old forward had five points (two goals, three assists) for Iowa, the AHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild, after signing a PTO on Jan. 13, and four points (one goal, three assists) for Canada as its captain at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. Staal last played in the NHL in 2020-21, when he had 13 points (five goals, eight assists) in 53 games with the Sabers and Canadiens. He has 1,034 points (441 goals, 593 assists) in 1,293 regular-season games for the Carolina Hurricanes, New York Rangers, Wild, Sabers and Canadiens, and 59 points (23 goals, 36 assists) in 83 playoff games. He helped the Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup in 2006.
Michael StoneCalgary Flames
The 32-year-old defenseman had six points (two goals, four assists) in 11 regular-season games and five points (two goals, three assists) in nine playoff games for the Flames last season. Stone has 134 points (35 goals, 99 assists) in 504 regular-season games for the Coyotes and Flames, and six points (three goals, three assists) in 15 postseason games.
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