With training camps set to start in just a few days, we’re seeing plenty of veterans ink PTO deals. Meanwhile, another veteran free agent, defenseman Zdeno Chara, remains undecided on whether or not to play next season, notes Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic (subscription link). The 45-year-old spent last season with the Islanders where he averaged nearly 19 minutes a night in 72 games but was not offered a deal to return. Chara’s agent Matt Keator indicated that he plans to meet with his client this weekend so perhaps some news on his intentions for 2022-23 will trickle out over the coming days.
Elsewhere around the hockey world:
- Flyers prospect Jay O’Brien has fully recovered from the hip injury that has bothered him for the last two seasons, relays Matt Porter of the Boston Globe. The 22-year-old was the 19th overall pick back in 2018 and has still managed to average nearly a point per game over his two seasons at Boston College. With those injury issues behind him, he could be in line for a big year which could help O’Brien earn his entry-level deal with Philadelphia.
- The Blackhawks have placed prospect Colton Dach in concussion protocol, reports Scott Powers of The Athletic (Twitter link). The 19-year-old played in the first period of yesterday’s rookie tournament game against Minnesota but didn’t return for the rest of the night. Dach is coming off an impressive season with WHL Kelowna where he had 79 points in 60 games and while he wasn’t expected to push for a roster spot with Chicago, this placement could take away any chances of seeing preseason action and perhaps delay the start of his final junior season.
Jay O’Brien plays at Boston UNIVERSITY. Not Boston College . . .
Chara to the Pens on a PTO deal
Pens are pretty weak on the left side D
Ummm, Knock-Knock, @Brian. @goterriers on line 1 for you…
Z hasn’t been a star for eight seasons now, and he hasn’t been good for much at all for the last four. Seeing Islanders games last year I was wincing and shaking my head; he’s just immobile now.
Chara! Just go away!!!!! Thornton to! These guys hang around far to long and It’s EMBARRASSING!!!!! GRETZKY also on that list. Andrew Ladd……On and on and on.
Gretzky had 62pts in 70 games his final season at age 38 lol.
90 in 82 the season before that.
You need a new list (or a new schtick).
Wilf, quit tossing tantrums over guys making decisions about their lives. Since you embarrass so easily, review your posting history and lack of hockey knowledge and you will find a better trigger.
Ovie will have
Gretzky Is and was a cupcake.
The list Is also accurate.
Give your uninformed posts a better chance to fit in.
Here’s another. Marc Average Fleury.