Top PTO Candidates for the Philadelphia Flyers Ahead of Training Camp

As the Philadelphia Flyers gear up for training camp just a month away, the roster seems nearly finalized, with free agency yielding minimal additions. The Flyers welcomed veteran forward Noel Acciari and a handful of AHL players, including Zach Aston-Reese and Nolan Foote. However, with injuries an ever-present possibility and the need for internal competition, the Flyers are likely to be active in pursuing professional tryouts (PTOs) to round out their roster.

Among the potential PTO candidates, Kevin Hayes stands out. Though his previous relationship with the Flyers was complicated, particularly with former coach John Tortorella, the 34-year-old forward remains an appealing depth option. Having left Philadelphia three years ago under a hefty $7.142 million cap hit, Hayes now finds himself a free agent following stints with the St. Louis Blues and Pittsburgh Penguins. Despite these challenges, advanced statistics suggest he can still contribute effectively when given the opportunity. Notably, Hayes tallied 13 points in 19 games during the Flyers’ last playoff appearance in 2019-20, and he has established connections with several current players on the team.

Another name to consider is Luke Glendening. While the arrival of Acciari may have overshadowed Glendening’s role, the Flyers appreciated the 37-year-old’s versatility and tenacity during his brief tenure in Philadelphia. Claimed off waivers from the New Jersey Devils, Glendening played a crucial role on the fourth line alongside Sean Couturier, particularly after Nikita Grebenkin’s season-ending injury. In his 18 regular-season games with the Flyers, he recorded five points and showcased his skills in the faceoff circle, winning 57.2% of his draws. A potential PTO could make sense for both Glendening and the Flyers, especially if he remains unsigned as camp approaches.

Lastly, John Klingberg emerges as a noteworthy candidate to bolster the Flyers’ defense. The team has expressed a desire to solidify and enhance their blue line, yet their offseason moves have been limited. Klingberg, once a top offensive defenseman in the league, faced setbacks due to injuries but managed to play 56 games with the San Jose Sharks last season, netting 10 goals and 17 assists. His power-play contributions would have ranked him among the Flyers’ top defensemen in scoring, highlighting a potential gap that Klingberg could help fill. While he may not be the definitive solution for the Flyers’ power play, offering him a PTO could allow the team to evaluate whether there’s still potential left in his game.

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