3 players that the Senators should target on a PTO

As training camp approaches, the Ottawa Senators could look to the professional tryout (PTO) market to inject some low-risk, high-upside competition into the lineup. There are plenty of benefits of bringing in a player on a PTO to the organization. First, it allows for more positional battles within training camp. Two, it is a free option for a club to add a veteran to the team, and if they can crack the lineup, it gives them more time to work on a contract. 

For the Senators, they still need to add a bit more depth scoring into their lineup. And the best way to do that is by adding a PTO and hoping for the best. There are still some veterans with some gas left in the tank that could look at Ottawa as a potential landing spot. So here are three intriguing targets that make sense for Ottawa to invite to camp on a PTO.

3 PTO options for the Senators

A potential reunion with David Perron makes a ton of sense on paper. After being dealt to the Detroit Red Wings at the deadline last season, the 38-year-old veteran winger remains without a deal. Perron’s familiarity with Ottawa’s room and Travis Green’s structure gives him a major leg up. His veteran leadership, heavy wall play, and net-front utility on the power play could offer cheap, reliable depth for the bottom six if he proves he still has gas left in the tank.

Philipp Kurashev would be an interesting reclamation option with legitimate top-six upside. The 26-year-old Swiss-Russian forward hit a wall in San Jose last season after a breakout 54-point campaign in Chicago two years ago. Kurashev can play both wing and center, bringing quick playmaking abilities and transition pace. Giving him a PTO creates healthy competition for Ottawa's middle six while offering Kurashev a fresh slate to prove his 50-point season wasn't a fluke.

On the blue line, Nick Blankenburg would be an ideal low-cost target to push for a depth spot. The 28-year-old right-shot defenseman split time between Nashville and Colorado last year, showing flashes of offense and a relentless, high-motor physical game despite his smaller frame. With Ottawa always looking to bolster its right-side depth, inviting Blankenburg to camp provides immediate insurance and pushes internal competition on the bottom pair.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow