NHL Pre-Season Trends
As the NHL pre-season approaches, a notable trend has emerged: many players are exploring professional tryout contracts (PTOs) due to the limited number of free agents available. Generally, this rush for opportunities unfolds in late summer, typically just before training camps start, but the current tight market has prompted players to seek potential spots sooner than usual.
Conor Sheary’s PTO with the Rangers
In this wave of activity, Conor Sheary, a former forward for the Buffalo Sabres, has become the first player to secure a PTO this off-season, signing with the New York Rangers. Sheary, who boasts a commendable track record including two Stanley Cup victories, previously played for the Sabres from 2018 to 2020 after a successful tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he celebrated back-to-back championship wins in 2016 and 2017 under the guidance of current Rangers coach Mike Sullivan.
Sheary’s Career Journey
Sheary joined the Sabres from the Penguins in 2018 in a trade that included a conditional draft pick and defenseman Matt Hunwick. However, his journey has seen him return to Pittsburgh shortly before the pandemic halted play, in a deal involving Evan Rodrigues for Dominik Kahun. While Sheary enjoyed a productive run with the Washington Capitals—scoring in double digits for three consecutive seasons—his last two years with the Tampa Bay Lightning were less eventful; he managed just four goals in 57 games during his second-to-last season and spent most of the last season in the AHL.
There, he shone brightly, leading the Syracuse Crunch with an impressive 61 points through 59 games, showcasing his capability with 20 goals and 41 assists.
Looking Ahead
As the NHL landscape continues to shift, Sheary’s potential contributions to the Rangers may be significant, especially as teams seek to finalize their rosters ahead of training camp.