3 Players the Devils Should Invite to a PTO

We are a little over two weeks from September, which means NHL training camps are just around the corner. Some teams have already begun to reach out to unsigned free agents to offer professional tryout (PTO) contracts, extending an invitation to camp, giving said players a chance to earn a contract based on their performance. The New Jersey Devils haven’t officially offered a PTO to an unsigned NHLers quite yet. However, there are some quality candidates available on the market.

On Thursday, the Washington Capitals invited forward Jakub Vrana back to the nation’s capital, signing the former Caps forward to a PTO. The Edmonton Oilers invited veterans Sam Gagner and Brandon Sutter.

A source confirmed to New Jersey Hockey Now that the Devils invited CHL defenseman, Igor Mburanumwe, to training camp a few weeks back. However, they have yet to invite any NHL free agents. Here’s a look at three players who general manager Tom Fitzgerald should consider inviting.

Cal Clutterbuck – RW

Cal Clutterbuck // Photo courtesy of NYI Hockey Now

The New York Islanders are moving on from their former identity. In an effort to revamp what many believe is an aging lineup, two key pieces of their lineup in Cal Clutterbuck and Matt Martin have been left unsigned on the free agent market.

The Devils should certainly consider extending Clutterbuck an invitation to training camp.

Here’s the thing with Clutterbuck. Before the 2023-24 season, the soon 37-year-old forward was injury prone. He hadn’t played in 70 or more games since the 2018-19 season, although he did play 50/56 in the Covid-shortened 2020-21.

Regardless, Clutterbuck finally got his health back on track last season. He played every single game for the Islanders, lacing up the skates for all 82 games.

The Devils went through a serious change in their identity this summer by adding plenty of heavy hitters. In the forward group, Fitzgerald added Paul Cotter as one of the NHLs more physical forwards, who threw 233 hits in 76 games.

Clutterbuck is cut from the same cloth, as he threw 273 hits last season. After throwing the fifth-most hits in the NHL last season, he’s seemingly past the injuries.

The former Islanders forward brings a lot more than just physicality. He’s a pest to play against defensively and is a perfectly fine penalty killer. For the majority of his 11-year run with the Isles, Clutterbuck wore a letter on his sweater as one of the leaders of the team as well.

Clutterbuck’s motor and workhorse mentality would be excellent to have at training camp. If it works out, and he can ink a contract, the Devils get another depth player who offers plenty. If not, he’ll at least drive competition with those competing for a roster spot.

The veteran forward has over 1,000 games of NHL experience and several playoff appearances, including a couple of deep runs. He’s an agitator, he won’t hesitate to stand up for his teammates, and he’ll participate in fisticuffs if necessary.

And hey, he doesn’t have to travel that far from his home on Long Island to get there.

Nick Cousins – C

Nick Cousins // Photo courtesy of Florida Hockey Now

We’re talking about a very similar player as Clutterbuck in Nick Cousins. He might be slightly smaller in stature, but he brings very similar qualities, and he’s a center.

Cousins played the majority of the regular season in 2023-24, scoring seven goals and 15 points for the Florida Panthers. What’s most intriguing about Cousins on the stat sheet — sans the physicality — is his faceoff winning percentage, winning 53.1% of draws last season.

The Panthers are the reigning Stanley Cup Champions. Although Cousins helped them get to the post season, he wasn’t a regular in the playoff lineup after he was limited to just 12 games.

Regardless, Cousins is a Stanley Cup Champion and was part of something special in Sunrise. He’s been there and done that, which is — no doubt — always a welcomed factor in the Devils’ locker room.

The 30-year-old might not hit quite as much as Clutterbuck, but he still registered 130 hits last season in 69 games. He’s one of the better fourth-line forwards in the NHL, and he can kill penalties effectively.

The Devils aren’t searching for more offensive talent. They have plenty of that. After last season, they can use as much defensive-minded players as they can.

Plus, Cousins isn’t afraid to mix it up between whistles and get under the skin of the opposition. He’ll drop the gloves as well.

It’s always a good idea to have more centers around, and Cousins checks a lot of boxes.

Calen Addison – RD

Calen Addison // Photo courtesy of San Jose Hockey Now

The Devils brought on plenty of blue liners this summer, headlined by the arrivals of Brett Pesce and Brenden Dillon. The addition of Johnathan Kovacevic and return of Dougie Hamilton makes for a deep blue line which also features Luke Hughes, Simon Nemec, and Jonas Siegenthaler.

Yet, Calen Addison — who remains on the market — is perhaps the top defenseman who remains unsigned. The former second-round selection in the 2018 NHL Draft hasn’t been able to carve out a role — or a home — over the last three-plus seasons in the NHL.

Last year, the Minnesota Wild traded Addison to the San Jose Sharks for a player and 2026 draft pick. The season prior, Addison ranked third among rookie defenseman in points, tallying three goals and 29 points in 62 games with the Wild.

Addison regressed a bit — albeit — on a dismal Sharks team — potting just one goal and 17 points in 72 games.

Regardless, Addison has been productive in sheltered minutes, shown skill in the offensive end of the ice, and can move the puck well in transition.

In the case of injury, should Addison earn a contract, he can slide into the lineup in an offensive-minded Devils lineup.

As a 24-year-old who is trying to make a name for himself in the NHL, Addison is a candidate to earn a PTO and arrive at any camp to push the competition to another level in an effort to ink himself a contract.

He should do it in Newark, New Jersey.

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