Pittsburgh Penguins Sign Nikolai Knyzhov to PTO

The Pittsburgh Penguins have added to their training camp roster, as they have signed defenseman Nikolai Knyzhov to a professional tryout (PTO) contract.

The Penguins have signed defenseman Nikolai Knyzhov to a professional tryout contract. pic.twitter.com/TxHEmU4HAh
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) August 22, 2024

Earlier this offseason, Knyzhov and the San Jose Sharks mutually agreed to terminate his contract. The left-shot defenseman had one year left on his deal with the Sharks and would have made $1.25 million for the season.

Knyzhov, 26, appeared in 10 games this past season with the Sharks, where he had zero goals, one assist, 13 hits, and a minus-6 rating. The 6-foot-3 defenseman spent the majority of the campaign down in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the San Jose Barracuda, where he had three goals, 14 points, and a plus-8 rating.

In four NHL seasons with the Sharks, Knyzhov had three goals, 12 points, 55 penalty minutes, and 112 hits.

Overall, there is no harm in the Penguins taking a look at Knyzhov at training camp. He has some experience at the NHL level and could be a solid depth addition for them if he successfully earns a contract for the season.