Oilers Bolster Blue Line with Travis Dermott PTO Signing.
The Edmonton Oilers have been busy this offseason, and it seems they aren’t done making moves to improve their roster just yet. As training camps loom on the horizon, the team is turning to the free agent market, signing players to professional tryout (PTO) contracts in the hopes of finding hidden gems who can earn full-time deals.
According to a report from Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli, the Oilers are expected to bring in defenseman Travis Dermott on a PTO. Dermott will head to Edmonton and join the team for their informal skates before officially putting pen to paper on the tryout agreement.
This move is the latest in the Oilers’ efforts to shore up their blue line ahead of the upcoming season. The team has already made several notable additions to their defensive corps, but it’s clear they’re still looking to bolster their depth and find the right mix of talent to complement their star-studded forward group.
Dermott, 25, is an intriguing option for the Oilers. The former Toronto Maple Leaf has shown flashes of potential throughout his NHL career, but has yet to truly establish himself as a consistent, reliable defenseman. A change of scenery and the opportunity to earn a full-time roster spot with the Oilers could be exactly what Dermott needs to take the next step in his development.
It’s worth noting that PTO contracts are essentially low-risk, high-reward propositions for both the player and the team. Dermott will have the chance to showcase his skills and prove he deserves a spot on the Oilers’ roster, while the team gets to evaluate him at no long-term cost. If he impresses, he could earn a full-fledged contract; if not, the Oilers can simply part ways and continue their search for defensive reinforcements.
As the Oilers continue to tinker with their lineup, it will be fascinating to see how the Dermott experiment unfolds. With training camp just around the corner, the race is on for players like Dermott to make their case and earn a spot on the team. It’s an exciting time to be an Oilers fan, as the team looks to build on its recent success and take the next step towards contention.
Been lots of speculation on #Oilers defense plans … Expectation is we'll see Travis Dermott arrive in Edmonton for voluntary captain's skates this week, with a formal PTO to follow.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) September 10, 2024
Oilers Eyeing Veteran Defenseman Travis Dermott as Potential Blue Line Addition.
The Edmonton Oilers have been busy retooling their roster this offseason, and it appears they may not be done yet. While no official announcements have been made, there are rumblings that the team is still looking to make moves to strengthen their defensive corps.
One player that has caught the Oilers’ eye is veteran blueliner Travis Dermott. The 27-year-old defenseman is expected to join the Oilers on a professional tryout (PTO) contract, giving him the opportunity to showcase his skills and potentially earn a full-time roster spot.
Dermott’s NHL Journey
Dermott’s hockey journey began when he was selected in the second round (34th overall) by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2015 NHL Draft. He went on to establish himself as a steady presence on the Leafs’ blue line, appearing in 251 games over parts of five seasons and recording 52 points (12 goals, 40 assists).
Prior to the 2022 trade deadline, Dermott was dealt to the Vancouver Canucks, where he spent the next two campaigns. Last season, he found more consistent playing time with the Arizona Coyotes, suiting up for 50 games and tallying 7 points.
Filling a Need for the Oilers
The Oilers have been actively seeking to bolster their defensive depth this offseason, having lost the likes of Philip Broberg (to the St. Louis Blues via offer sheet) and Cody Ceci. Additionally, the future of Brett Kulak on the Oilers’ roster is not entirely secure.
If Dermott can impress during his PTO and earn a contract with the Oilers, he could potentially force the team to make even more changes to their defensive group. With his NHL experience and steady play, Dermott could be a valuable addition as the Oilers look to build on their recent success and contend for a Stanley Cup.
The Oilers’ Defensive Puzzle
The Oilers’ blue line has been an area of focus this offseason, and the potential addition of Dermott on a PTO suggests the team is still searching for the right pieces to complete the puzzle. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Dermott and how he performs, as he looks to earn a spot on the Oilers’ roster and potentially help the team take the next step in their quest for hockey’s ultimate prize.
Leave a Reply