For teams like the Hurricanes, PTOs represent a low-risk, potentially high-reward gamble. They offer players a chance to showcase their abilities without committing precious cap space or roster spots upfront. For the players, it’s a golden, albeit high-pressure, opportunity to earn an NHL contract and keep their professional dreams alive. It’s a pragmatic dance between ambition and economics, played out on the ice under the watchful eyes of management.
Oliver Kylington: A Blueline Revival Bid
The addition of Oliver Kylington immediately piques interest. A left-handed defenceman, Kylington brings a decade of NHL experience to Raleigh. Hailing from Stockholm, Sweden, he was once a highly-touted prospect, known for his skating and offensive instincts. His career trajectory has seen its share of twists and turns, including a tenure with the Calgary Flames where he showed glimpses of top-four potential, and a recent stint with the Anaheim Ducks where he played 19 games last season, tallying one goal and four assists.
Kylington`s career stat line — 60 points across 220 NHL games — suggests a player capable of contributing offensively from the back end. The Hurricanes, renowned for their aggressive, puck-moving defensive corps, could be an ideal environment for Kylington to rekindle his form. A change of scenery, coupled with the “show me” intensity of a PTO, often unlocks hidden potential. The question remains: can Kylington rediscover the consistent defensive play and offensive spark that once made him a sought-after commodity, earning a permanent spot among Carolina`s already formidable group of blueliners?
Givani Smith: Adding Grit and Grind to the Forward Corps
On the offensive front, the Hurricanes have brought in Givani Smith, a physical six-foot-two right winger from Toronto. Selected in the second round of the 2016 draft by the Detroit Red Wings, Smith made his NHL debut in 2019 and has since carved out a reputation as a hard-nosed, gritty forward. His career has seen him don jerseys for multiple franchises, including the Red Wings, Florida Panthers, San Jose Sharks, and Colorado Avalanche, a journey indicative of a player consistently battling for a roster spot.
Smith`s 22 points (nine goals, 13 assists) in 168 games might not jump off the scoresheet, but his 268 penalty minutes certainly do. This statistic underlines his primary value: a willingness to engage, forecheck relentlessly, and bring a physical edge that can disrupt opponents and energize his own team. In a league increasingly valuing speed and skill, there`s still a crucial role for players who can win puck battles, protect teammates, and provide a deterrent presence. The Hurricanes, known for their relentless forecheck and physical style, might find Smith to be a natural fit for their bottom six, particularly if he can prove he`s more than just a penalty minute accumulator.
The Road Ahead: Training Camp`s Crucible
For both Kylington and Smith, the upcoming training camp will be a grueling crucible. They`ll be competing not just against younger prospects eager to make their mark, but also against established players fighting for their roles. Every drill, every scrimmage, every pre-season shift will be an audition. The Hurricanes` coaching staff will be looking for more than just raw talent; they’ll be evaluating work ethic, adaptability to the team’s system, and the often-intangible qualities that define a good teammate.
These PTO signings are more than just roster fillers; they`re an indicator of the Hurricanes` strategic approach to building a championship-caliber team. By inviting players with NHL experience who have something significant to prove, Carolina maintains a competitive internal environment, unearths potential bargains, and ensures that every roster spot is fiercely earned. The stage is set for an intriguing training camp, where two veterans will vie for their next chapter in the NHL.
Tristan Blackwood