New Jersey Devils Bring In Hutchinson & Zboril On PTOs

The New Jersey Devils have joined the list of teams that have signed players to PTOs this year, adding Michael Hutchinson and Jakub Zboril to the mix. It is a smart move by the team as they are hoping for a quick turnaround from last season and ensuring that injuries won't completely derail the season.

By bringing in Hutchinson, the Devils would have great goaltending depth and have one less thing to worry about. Nico Daws is still in the mix, but the likelihood is that he will get another season in the AHL. Hutchinson gives the Devils a very nice cushion if he is signed. He has a career .902 SV% and has played for six different NHL teams. The veteran was a member of the Detroit Red Wings last season and started just one game, coming against the Devils.

Zboril, a former 13th overall pick by the Boston Bruins in 2015, hasn't had the start to the career many expected. He split last season between the Providence Bruins and the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL, recording just 13 assists. He last played in the NHL in 2022-23 for the Bruins, scoring one goal and four points in 13:17 of ice time across 22 games. He does hit a lot and will block shots. He is a depth d-man at best, but if the Devils run into some trouble with injuries on the back-end, he's not the worst option to have in the AHL to be called up and get into the lineup on the third pairing since he has some NHL experience.

The Devils have a strong team this season and should be back to the playoffs, but it is a great thing to have more than enough depth that any curveballs thrown the team's way can be handled. The Devils may or may not sign either of these two players on PTOs, but I think at least one of them will get a contract and start out in the AHL.