After Barrie Signing, 3 More PTOs That Should Lead To Contracts

As expected, we saw Tyson Barrie turn his PTO with the Calgary Flames into a contract on Thursday. Let's have a look at the next three players in camps around the NHL who are very likely to see their professional tryouts turn into standard player contracts for the coming season.

Tyler Johnson, Boston Bruins

At 34, Johnson is having a very strong showing in the Bruins' camp thus far. "It seems like things are on track for him to end up with a contract," said insider Chris Johnson on his podcast this week.

He's a two-time Stanley Cup champion, and in 738 career games, has 431 points. Last season with the Chicago Blackhawks, he posted 17 goals and 31 points in 67 games. He's played in a whopping 116 playoff games in his dozen years in the NHL, and that should allow him to fit right in as a depth piece for the Bruins.

Nice passing sequence between Pastrnak and Zacha leads to a power-play tally for Tyler Johnson.

2-1 Bruins. pic.twitter.com/Uut1fLziDG
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) October 2, 2024

Kailer Yamamoto, Utah HC

The former 1st-rounder had a rough season last year with the Seattle Kraken, scoring just 8 goals and playing under 12 minutes per game, a career low.

But he's looked pretty strong on his PTO with the Utah Hockey Club, and has even seen time on the team's top line. He popped two goals while showing plenty of chemistry with Clayton Keller and Barrett Hayton in Tuesday night's exhibition victory over the San Jose Sharks.

Max Pacioretty, Toronto Maple Leafs

We've covered this one extensively, as insider Elliotte Friedman has already indicated that Patches isn't really on a PTO, and that it's all but a done deal that he's getting a contract with a potential role in Toronto's top-nine come puck drop on opening night.

The 16-year-veteran is hoping to have his first fully healthy season in four years, and has two goals and three assists for five points in the preseason.