NHL Pre-Season Roster Decisions
As the pre-season approaches its conclusion, NHL teams are making crucial decisions ahead of the commencement of the 2025-26 regular season on October 7. The time is running out for players currently under professional tryout contracts (PTOs), as organizations must soon finalize their rosters. Recently, the Carolina Hurricanes decided to part ways with defenseman Oliver Kylington and forward Kevin Labanc, marking a notable shift among teams evaluating their options. Let’s highlight a few players vying for contractual agreements as the pre-season wraps up.
Key Players on PTOs
Robby Fabbri, Forward, Pittsburgh Penguins
After a challenging season with the Anaheim Ducks where he recorded eight goals and 16 points across 44 appearances, Robby Fabbri is looking to make his mark with the Pittsburgh Penguins on a PTO. In a highly competitive forwards pool, Fabbri has demonstrated potential with one goal and six shots on goal during his first three pre-season games. A strong final performance could very well secure him a spot on the Penguins’ roster.
Conor Sheary, Left Wing, New York Rangers
Former Tampa Bay Lightning player Conor Sheary is also on a PTO with the New York Rangers following the mutual termination of his former contract earlier this summer. His impressive display during pre-season games, including one goal and two assists against the New York Islanders, has caught attention. With seven shots on goal and multiple high-danger chances to his name, Sheary may position himself favorably for a contract, whether with the Rangers or another NHL franchise.
Milan Lucic, Left Wing, St. Louis Blues
Milan Lucic, seeking a comeback to the NHL after sitting out the previous season, is currently attempting to secure a deal with the St. Louis Blues. However, his transition has been hindered by a groin injury that sidelined him for parts of training camp. Back on the ice, Lucic is running out of time to make a lasting impression. Blues coach Jim Montgomery emphasizes the importance of Lucic’s performance in the remaining pre-season games, pushing him to showcase his talents to guarantee a contract.
Matt Grzelcyk, Defenseman, Chicago Blackhawks
Veteran defenseman Matt Grzelcyk, who delivered an impressive 40 points last season, is also under scrutiny as he competes for a spot with the Chicago Blackhawks. Participating in just one game thus far, Grzelcyk’s contributions have been minimal, with only one shot recorded. Given the number of young defensemen on the Blackhawks’ roster, his future remains uncertain, although adding a seasoned player like Grzelcyk could be beneficial for mentoring. If the Blackhawks decide against extending a contract, it’s likely other teams will be interested in signing him.
Conclusion
With the NHL regular season just around the corner, these players’ futures hang in the balance, underscoring the drama and intensity of roster decisions during the tryout phase. Tune in to The Hockey News for ongoing updates and insights into the league’s developments, or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest in hockey news.
