NHL insider reveals one Edmonton Oiler on a PTO is expected to get a contract

Usually, the PTOs in the NHL lead to very little, if anything, about the player involved. In most instances, they will not give up a roster spot, although when a player does make a team, it is considered a bonus, a valuable addition at no cost. Other times, such tryouts point out missed opportunities in which a player impresses and then goes on to sign somewhere else, leaving essentially nothing from all that hard work.

That would be the case with the New Jersey Devils and Kevin Labanc. Coming into camp on a PTO, Labanc was great and seemed like a lock to make the bottom six. The Devils wanted him but wanted him to start the year in the AHL. The Columbus Blue Jackets took advantage of the situation, signing Labanc to an NHL deal and securing themselves a talented middle-six forward for free. It was a move that the Devils probably grew to hate, as they lost a potential asset.

A similar situation could have been playing itself out in Edmonton with Travis Dermott. The 27-year-old defenseman had a great training camp and seemed to have earned himself a spot on the roster. Inking Dermott, though, would create a headache for the Oilers in needing to waive either Josh Brown, whom they signed to a three-year deal, or Troy Stecher, a player who is likely to be claimed off waivers. The Oilers might find themselves having to make an adverse decision as NHL insider Chris Johnston does believe Dermott will be signing for the season in Edmonton.

The Oilers have been in this position before. In 2016, they invited two-time Stanley Cup champion Kris Versteeg to camp on a PTO. Versteeg looked great and fit like a perfect fit for their bottom six, but when the Oilers offered him a two-way contract, he declined. Instead, he signed a one-way deal with the Calgary Flames where he saw more opportunity for consistent playing time. This is the kind of missed opportunity that might just play itself again if the Oilers mishandle Dermott's situation, but it appears they have likely learnt from past mistakes and will sign him.

The bottom line is Travis Dermott can stay in Edmonton, but unless the Oilers want to lose another player who can be impactful, they'll need to make room. With the salary cap and roster squeeze, it's a delicate balancing act; however, losing Dermott for nothing would hurt. If he does indeed leave, it'll be a reminder of how a PTO, while normally low-stakes, can have big consequences for teams. Let's hope Chris Johnston is right about this one!