Photo credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
A former Vancouver Canucks defenseman has signed a professional tryout contract (PTO) in order to keep his career alive after undergoing offseason surgery in July.
The Olympic break is upon us, but for the Abbotsford Canucks and the rest of the American Hockey League, they continue to play, with Vancouver’s affiliate downing the San Jose Barracuda on Saturday night by a score of 2-1.
Several teams around the American Hockey League have been looking to round out their respective rosters ahead of a deep run in the Calder Cup Playoffs this spring and for one former member of the Vancouver Canucks, it appears that he’ll get his opportunity to lace them up once again after undergoing surgery in the offseason.
Former Vancouver Canucks defenseman signs professional tryout (PTO)
Back in November, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman reported that free agent defenseman Travis Dermott had been training hard after having shoulder surgery and was looking for his next landing spot, whether that be in the NHL, AHL or Europe.
“Travis Dermott – who has played 348 NHL games – had left shoulder surgery to correct some recurring problems on July 23
Now healthy, he is training and skating in Mississauga, looking for a landing spot to resume his career.
Good luck to him” Friedman said on X.
A little over two months after Friedman’s report, the former Vancouver Canucks blueliner has officially found himself a new team, even if it might just be on a temporary basis.
In a press release on Saturday, the American Hockey League’s Hartford Wolf Pack – affiliate of the New York Rangers – announced that they’ve signed Travis Dermott to a professional tryout contract, who will bring some much needed experience to the group.
“New York Rangers Associate General Manager and Hartford Wolf Pack General Manager Ryan Martin announced today that the club has signed defenseman Travis Dermott to a professional tryout agreement (PTO).” the club said.
Dermott brings 385 games of NHL experience to the Wolf Pack after spending parts of eight seasons in the league with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Arizona Coyotes, Edmonton Oilers and Minnesota Wild, registering 62 points (16 goals, 46 assists) along the way.
The Newmarket, Ontario native’s time with the Vancouver Canucks organization lasted just a season-and-a-half after he was traded to them by the Toronto Maple Leafs in March of 2022 in exchange for a third round pick.
It’s unclear when Dermott will make his Hartford Wolf Pack debut, but it could come as early as Saturday, February 14th as they take on the Charlotte Checkers at 1 pm PT (4 pm local).
Previously on Vancouver Hockey Daily
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Former Vancouver Canucks defenseman signs professional tryout after offseason surgery
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