Vancouver Canucks Sign Scottie Upshall To PTO

The Vancouver Canucks have decided to bring in another veteran forward on a professional tryout, signing Scottie Upshall to a PTO according to Sportsnet’s Dan Murphy. He’ll join Ryan White in Canucks camp trying to force themselves onto an NHL roster. For a team looking to rebuild, either one could provide another deadline asset.

Upshall is one of the most interesting draft stories of the last few decades. Selected sixth-overall by the Nashville Predators, Upshall was a do-it-all player for the Kamploops Blazers who mixed goal scoring with physicality and defense. His WHL team had winning records in all three seasons, and he was one of the stars for Team Canada in both World Junior Championships—one in which he served as captain. He was expected to become a premiere two-way forward in the league, capable of contributing 20-25 goals while handing out punishing checks. Comparisons to Michael Peca were made.

Upshall never did grow into his offensive potential, capping out at 18 goals and 37 points during his career so far. But, instead of fading into the distance like other draft “busts” he has remained in the league as an important player for several franchises. Suiting up in 696 games so far, Upshall was a welcome addition to the St. Louis Blues most recently, scoring 10 goals and being a grade-A pest every night. It’s surprising that he has only earned a PTO, as even at 33 there is definitely enough left to help a team’s fourth line. We’ll have to wait and see if he gets an NHL deal or has to settle for an AHL pact. The latter would allow him to play in the Olympics for Team Canada if they’re so inclined.