Three Veterans the Wild Could Consider for PTOs Ahead of Training Camp

As NHL free agency lingers into August, several seasoned veterans remain without contracts, offering teams like the Minnesota Wild a chance to enhance their roster without long-term commitments. With training camp on the horizon, the Wild could strategically invite players to join on professional tryouts (PTO), similar to their successful attempts with Brett Leason and Jack Johnson last year.

A PTO allows Minnesota to assess a player’s fit and skill level while minimizing financial risk. If a player earns a roster spot, it could provide the Wild with valuable scoring depth; if not, they can easily pivot before the season begins.

Among the available options, David Perron stands out. Although the 38-year-old may not be the 30-goal scorer he once was, his wealth of experience—over 1,200 NHL games and a Stanley Cup championship with the St. Louis Blues—makes him a compelling candidate. Known for his effective net-front presence and power-play contributions, Perron has consistently been a secondary scoring option throughout his career. While age has slowed his skating, his leadership and hockey IQ could still offer depth in Minnesota’s bottom six. A tryout would enable the Wild to evaluate whether he can still contribute meaningfully.

Another strong contender for a PTO is Brandon Saad. The 33-year-old winger has built a solid reputation as a dependable two-way player over his 14-year NHL career. Despite a dip in offensive output in recent seasons, Saad has a history of secondary scoring and defensive reliability, making him a good fit for head coach John Hynes’ system. With nine seasons of at least 19 goals and two Stanley Cups from his time with the Chicago Blackhawks, Saad’s experience could be invaluable. Moreover, bringing him in would not hinder the development of younger players like Danila Yurov, Maxim Shabanov, and Bobby Brink; rather, it would foster competition for roster spots.

Finally, Jonathan Drouin presents the highest potential upside among remaining unrestricted free agents. Once a third-overall pick, Drouin has faced injury challenges but has shown flashes of the offensive creativity that made him a top prospect. After recording 56 points with the Colorado Avalanche in the 2023-24 season, his recent injury troubles limited his performance last year. For a team like Minnesota looking to bolster its scoring depth, Drouin’s playmaking ability could complement its talented forwards. The main question is whether he would consider a PTO, as players with his resume often seek guaranteed contracts late in the offseason. However, if the market remains stagnant, a tryout with a playoff contender could offer Drouin a chance to rebuild his value.

As the Wild gear up for training camp, questions about their secondary scoring linger. Inviting experienced veterans for tryouts could create healthy competition without the burden of long-term financial commitments. If one of these players proves he still belongs in the NHL, Minnesota could gain a valuable asset at a low cost. If not, they can confidently proceed with their younger talent. At this stage of the offseason, pursuing such low-risk opportunities could yield rewarding outcomes.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.