The always-competitive Carolina Hurricanes are once again making intriguing moves as training camp approaches. In a shrewd, low-risk maneuver, the team has announced the signings of defenseman Oliver Kylington and forward Givani Smith to professional tryout contracts (PTOs). This decision signals a clear intent: to explore every avenue for talent acquisition, leveraging experience without immediate long-term commitment. It`s a classic NHL gamble, offering a potential high reward for the Hurricanes and a make-or-break opportunity for the players.
Oliver Kylington: A Skillful Comeback Story in the Making?
Oliver Kylington, a left-handed defenseman from Stockholm, Sweden, is arguably the more high-profile name of the two. With 10 years of professional hockey under his belt and 220 NHL games to his credit, Kylington is known for his smooth skating, puck-moving abilities, and offensive upside. His career has seen its share of twists, including a significant period away from the game for personal reasons, which he admirably navigated before returning to play 19 games last season with the Anaheim Ducks, recording five points.
For the Hurricanes, Kylington represents a fascinating prospect. Known for their mobile and aggressive defense corps, a skilled, left-shot blueliner could seamlessly integrate into their system, potentially adding another layer to their transition game or power play. The “risk” for Carolina is virtually non-existent; if Kylington demonstrates he`s regained his top form and fits the team`s intricate schemes, they secure a valuable asset. If not, they part ways with no strings attached. For Kylington, this is a chance to prove his personal and professional resurgence is complete and that he can still be a consistent NHL contributor.
Givani Smith: The Gritty Edge for Raleigh`s Roster
On the other side of the spectrum, Givani Smith brings a distinctly different, yet equally valuable, skillset. A physical, 6-foot-2 right winger, Smith is a traditional power forward in an increasingly speed-and-skill dominated league. Selected in the second round of the 2016 draft, he`s amassed 22 points (9 goals, 13 assists) and a robust 268 penalty minutes across 168 NHL games with multiple organizations including Detroit, Florida, San Jose, and Colorado.
In a Hurricanes lineup renowned for its relentless forecheck and offensive pressure, Smith could carve out a role as an energy player, a tenacious grinder, and a physical presence. While Carolina often out-skills opponents, adding a player who isn`t afraid to go to the tough areas, finish checks, and potentially drop the gloves offers a different dimension. It`s an interesting tactical decision for a team that`s consistently among the league`s elite but sometimes looks for an extra layer of “sandpaper” in the postseason. Smith’s PTO is an audition to show that classic grit still has a prominent place in a modern, fast-paced game.
The PTO Strategy: A Win-Win for the Hurricanes
Professional tryout contracts are a staple of NHL training camps, offering teams a cost-effective way to evaluate talent before committing to a standard contract. For the Hurricanes, signing Kylington and Smith to PTOs is a savvy move that aligns perfectly with their analytical, forward-thinking approach. They get an extended look at two experienced players who could potentially fill specific roles – be it offensive depth on defense or a hard-nosed, bottom-six forward – without impacting their salary cap or long-term roster flexibility.
For Kylington and Smith, the stakes are undeniably high. This is their opportunity to impress, to demonstrate their fitness, skill, and desire, and to earn a spot on one of the league`s perennial contenders. Training camp will be an intense proving ground, where every shift, every drill, and every practice rep will be scrutinized. Their performance will dictate whether this tryout blossoms into a new chapter in their NHL careers or if they`ll need to seek opportunities elsewhere.
As the Carolina Hurricanes gear up for another competitive season, the additions of Oliver Kylington and Givani Smith on PTOs add compelling storylines to their training camp. It`s a calculated risk with significant upside for the team, and a critical moment for two veterans seeking to extend their NHL journeys. The hockey world will be watching to see if these gambles pay off, potentially adding unexpected depth to an already formidable Hurricanes roster.
