Only one player makes sense for the NY Islanders to bring to training camp on a PTO

While most teams around the NHL have their rosters set for training camp at this point of the summer, some GM’s will opt to bring in a player on a professional tryout (PTO). 

In 2024, Matt Martin joined the NY Islanders at camp after the conclusion of his 4-year contract, ultimately earning a 1-year deal. The last time a player from outside the organization made the team on a PTO was Luca Sbisa in 2019, who played in nine games, earning one assist before being released.

While players typically brought in on PTO’s are bottom-of-the-lineup players, the Islanders could bring in a player with massive upside if he remains a free agent by the start of training camp.

Laine makes sense on a PTO

Patrik Laine was one of the NHL’s most natural goal scorers shortly after entering the NHL in 2016. At 6’4” and a force on the power play, Laine hasn’t forgotten how to score, but injuries have plagued his career. Following the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season, Laine hasn’t played more than 60 games in a season. 

There were rumors that the Islanders reached out to Laine’s camp early in free agency but weren’t prepared to offer him more than a PTO. If Laine can’t get a guaranteed contract elsewhere, perhaps he circles back and looks to make the Islanders out of camp.

Though his goal scoring would surely help the Islanders on the man-advantage, Laine has never been the most effective player in his own zone. With Pete DeBoer in charge, the veteran head coach demands a lot from his players in their own zone, and someone like Laine might not fit the bill.

It’s unlikely that Laine heads to camp with the Islanders without a guaranteed contract. But if there’s any player that makes sense to bring in, it’s Laine. Otherwise, this appears to be the group heading to camp.

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