Professional tryout contracts offer unsigned NHL veterans a final chance to secure a roster spot by proving their worth during training camp, which begins later this month. Players on these short-term agreements must stand out in preseason drills and scrimmages to earn a full-season deal. The high-stakes evaluation period tests both skill and adaptability as teams assess potential fits amid roster uncertainties. With the regular season looming, every shift could determine whether a career continues—or ends—at the professional level.

Unsigned veteran players can earn a contract with an NHL team by impressing enough during training camp on a professional tryout contract (PTO). Training camps open on Sept. 16 and the regular season ...