While NHL training camp rosters are being thinned, AHL training camps are just getting started and with it comes opportunities for still-unsigned free agents to find a team for the coming season. While there have been many AHL tryouts and other such moves of late, here are some of the most notable “minor” transactions:
- While NHL veteran Tim Schaller drew the headlines, the Bakersfield Condors have also signed Graham McPhee to a one-year contract. McPhee, 23, will stick around the Edmonton Oilers organization for another year, despite the team that drafted him never offering him an entry-level contract. McPhee split last season – his first pro campaign – between the Condors and the ICEHL’s Vienna Capitals. The former Boston College Eagle plays a hard-working game but still has room to develop his skill before he can challenge for NHL consideration.
- The Chicago Wolves will have 14 players in camp on tryout agreements, several of whom are recognizable names. Coming off of NHL contracts, both Drake Rymsha and Luke Green will now have to perform in camp just to earn AHL deals. Rymsha, 23, actually played one game with the L.A. Kings last season but was not extended a qualifying offer and signed with the ECHL’s Fort Wayne Komets, but is looking to land in Chicago instead. Green, 23, was also not qualified after spending last season on loan in Finland, but is looking to make a comeback with the Wolves after failing to make a difference in the Winnipeg Jets organization.
- After missing the 2019-20 season due to post-concussion syndrome, former San Jose Shark Rourke Chartier made his return to hockey last year with the Toronto Marlies. He will look to stay in the AHL and in Ontario as he has joined the Belleville Senators on a tryout offer. Chartier has been a consistent producer in the minors and at 25 still has some gas in the tank.