Successful PTO For New Jersey Devils' Hopeful

Over the past several years, only about 10 PTOs on average (out of the 40+ that are normally signed) are converted into NHL contracts. Today, one of the first to earn that distinction this fall is 28-year-old forward Max Willman, who has agreed to a deal with the New Jersey Devils.

#NJDevils Max Willman signs a one-year, two-way contract worth $135,000 ($150,000 guaranteed) at the American Hockey League (AHL) level and $775,000 at the NHL level, per Devils PR.
— James Nichols (@JamesNicholsNHL) October 7, 2023

It's a one-year, two-way contract for Willman worth $775,000 at the NHL level, and $135,000 at the AHL, which is where he appears to be headed. The Devils placed him on waivers today for the purpose of sending him to the Utica Comets.

Willman had a strong camp for the Devils, including scoring what turned out to be the game-winning goal Friday night in an exhibition win over the New York Islanders.

Nice play off the draw, pretty pass by Santeri Hatakka. Max Willman redirects it past Sorokin. #NJDevils pic.twitter.com/yB6y9nWMwh
— Devils Army Blog (@DevilsArmyBlog) October 6, 2023

Willman has seen 50 games of NHL action with the Philadelphia Flyers over the course of the last two seasons, totalling four goals and two assists for six points. He was held off the scoresheet last year in nine games in Philly. With the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the AHL, he notched 9 goals, 14 assists for 23 points in 54 games.

He was a fifth-round selection of the Buffalo Sabres, 121st overall, in the 2014 NHL Draft.

Photo: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports