What does PTO mean in hockey

Ever wonder why a veteran player suddenly shows up at training camp in September? You're probably looking at a PTO signing. What does PTO mean in hockey? It stands for "Professional Tryout," and it's one of the most common roster moves you'll hear about during preseason. Let's break down how PTOs work and why they matter for fans tracking their favorite teams.

How PTOs actually work in the NHL

A PTO is a short-term agreement that lets unsigned players free agents, unsigned draft picks, or veterans join a team's training camp and play preseason games. The player has no guaranteed contract or salary during the tryout period. Teams use PTOs to evaluate talent without committing salary cap space or roster spots. If the player impresses, the team offers a full contract. If not, the player gets released. PTOs last from training camp through preseason, ending when the regular season starts (pretty straightforward stuff). Steven Lorentz signed a PTO with Toronto, played well, and earned a full contract that led to a multi-year extension. That's the dream outcome.

Why teams and players use PTOs

Teams love PTOs because they cost nothing upfront, and reveal which players can actually perform under pressure. Depth players and injury fill-ins often come from PTO groups. Players benefit too a PTO is a comeback opportunity when contract offers disappear during free agency. Older players get one more shot to prove their worth. For fans, tracking PTO signings reveals potential breakout stars before the regular season begins. You might spot the next roster surprise weeks before anyone else notices (I've seen it happen).

Common questions about PTOs

Does a PTO guarantee a roster spot? No. A PTO only allows attendance at camp and preseason games. The team decides later whether to sign the player to a real contract.

Can players sign multiple PTOs? Yes. If one team releases a player, that player can sign a PTO with another team during the same season.

What happens if someone impresses? The team offers a standard contract, usually a one-year deal to keep the player for the regular season. Sometimes it turns into something bigger, like with Lorentz.

Keep an eye on PTO signings during next preseason. Teams that invite lots of tryout players often signal roster depth concerns or injurys. You might discover the next hidden gem before your friends do.