The National Hockey League preseason is often a stage for established stars to shake off the summer rust, but for a select group of seasoned veterans, it`s a relentless audition. The Carolina Hurricanes, known for their shrewd roster management and competitive spirit, have just added two such players to their fold, bringing in defenseman Oliver Kylington and forward Givani Smith on professional tryout (PTO) contracts. This move signals a calculated pursuit of depth and potential high-reward acquisitions, without the immediate commitment of a standard contract.
Oliver Kylington (58) during a previous NHL game. He now seeks a new opportunity with the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Art of the Professional Tryout: Low Risk, High Reward
For those unfamiliar with the subtle intricacies of NHL roster building, a professional tryout contract is a peculiar beast. It’s essentially an invitation to training camp, a “prove it” opportunity where a player participates in practices and exhibition games without being under contract. Teams benefit by evaluating talent at zero financial risk, potentially unearthing a valuable asset who might fill a specific need or simply provide cost-effective depth. For the players, it`s a lifeline – a chance to show they still belong in the world`s premier hockey league, to reclaim a roster spot, or to resurrect a stalled career.
Oliver Kylington: A Story of Talent and Resilience
Oliver Kylington, a left-handed defenseman hailing from Stockholm, Sweden, represents an intriguing prospect for the Hurricanes. At 28 years old, he already boasts 10 years of NHL experience, accumulating 60 points over 220 games. His most prominent stretch came with the Calgary Flames, where his offensive instincts and smooth skating were frequently on display. However, the past few seasons have presented significant challenges. After taking a leave of absence for personal reasons, his return to the NHL was limited, playing just 19 games last season with the Anaheim Ducks, recording one goal and four assists.
For Carolina, Kylington offers a potential reclamation project with a high ceiling. When at his best, he`s a mobile defenseman capable of contributing to offensive transitions and the power play. If he can recapture the form that made him a promising top-four blueliner, the Hurricanes could gain a significant boost to their defensive corps at a minimal cost. It`s a calculated gamble on a player whose talent is undeniable, but whose recent journey has been anything but straightforward.
Givani Smith: The Enforcer`s Quest for a Home
On the forward side, Givani Smith brings a different, yet equally valuable, dimension to the Hurricanes` tryout camp. A physical, six-foot-two right winger from Toronto, Smith was a second-round pick by Detroit in 2016. Since his NHL debut in 2019, he`s bounced between the Red Wings, Florida Panthers, San Jose Sharks, and Colorado Avalanche over six seasons. His career stat line – 22 points (9 goals, 13 assists) and a robust 268 penalty minutes in 168 games – paints a clear picture: Smith is a player who provides grit, toughness, and a willingness to engage physically.
In today`s evolving NHL, pure enforcers are a rare breed, but players who can combine physical presence with responsible play and some offensive upside still hold value. Smith`s journey through multiple organizations suggests he’s a player who consistently competes, but is still searching for that stable, long-term fit. For the Hurricanes, a team that prides itself on a relentless, aggressive forecheck and a stout defensive identity, Smith could be an ideal fit if he demonstrates the ability to play within their system and contribute to their high-tempo style. He could provide an intimidating presence and valuable penalty-killing minutes, making him a compelling option for a fourth-line role.
The Road Ahead: Earning a Spot
Both Kylington and Smith enter Hurricanes training camp with a clear objective: impress the coaching staff and management enough to earn a contract. The NHL is a meritocracy, and professional tryouts distill this principle to its purest form. They`ll be competing not just against each other, but against prospects vying for their first NHL opportunities and established players looking to solidify their roles. The Hurricanes` decision to invite these two veterans highlights their commitment to exploring every avenue to enhance their roster. It`s a pragmatic, no-nonsense approach to team building, typical of a franchise consistently contending for the Stanley Cup.
As the preseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Kylington and Smith. Can Kylington rediscover his offensive spark and defensive reliability? Will Smith prove to be the physical presence and depth forward the Hurricanes need? Their stories are a testament to the persistent dream of playing in the NHL and the constant grind to stay there. For the Carolina Hurricanes, these PTOs represent not just potential roster additions, but a low-stakes opportunity to potentially unearth valuable pieces that could make a significant difference as the season progresses. The ultimate decision, of course, rests on their performance on the ice – where talk is cheap, and actions speak volumes.
Ellis Thorne 
Percy Harlow