The Montreal Canadiens got the professional tryout (PTO) game started on Thursday with Simon Despres. As the offseason continues, more players will most likely be added to that list ahead of training camp.
Eric Gelinas was one of the more intriguing PTOs at camp ahead of last season. However, he didn’t stand out enough to earn a contract for the following NHL campaign. Gelinas instead received an AHL contract playing 54 games with the Laval Rocket.
The most impactful PTO in recent memory is probably Tomas Fleischmann. The Montreal Canadiens took a chance on the veteran ahead of the 2015-16 season and signed him to a one-year deal after a solid performance at camp.