05/05/2022
As the National Hockey League geared up for the unprecedented 2020-21 season, marked by significant changes due to the global pandemic, teams across the league faced unique challenges in finalising their rosters. A key part of this process involved issuing Professional Tryout Offers (PTOs) to unsigned players, allowing them to participate in training camps with the hope of earning a contract. The Calgary Flames were no exception, extending invitations to several hopefuls as they sought to bolster their ranks and navigate the complexities of a new operational landscape, including the introduction of the much-discussed taxi squads.
Professional Tryout Offers are a common feature of NHL training camps, providing a low-risk opportunity for teams to assess players who are currently without a contract. For the players, it's a chance to showcase their skills, fitness, and suitability for an NHL role. While many players on PTOs don't ultimately secure a full contract, the tryout period can be invaluable for both parties. Sometimes, general managers utilise PTOs not necessarily with the expectation of signing the player, but rather to intensify the competition within the camp, pushing existing roster players to perform at their peak. However, success stories are not uncommon. The Flames themselves provided a compelling example in the previous season, where two of the four players invited on PTOs — Tobias Rieder and Zac Rinaldo — not only earned contracts but went on to contribute meaningfully to the team's lineup during the regular season and playoffs. This demonstrated that while the odds might be long, a PTO can indeed be a legitimate pathway to an NHL career.
Understanding the NHL's Revolutionary Taxi Squads
Before diving into the specific players the Flames invited on PTOs, it's crucial to understand one of the most significant innovations of the 2020-21 NHL season: the Taxi Squads. These squads were a direct response to the logistical nightmare posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly regarding travel restrictions and mandatory self-isolation periods. In a standard NHL season, if a player on the main roster is injured or unavailable, a team can simply call up a replacement from their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate. However, with the stringent isolation protocols in place, such a call-up could leave a team severely shorthanded for multiple games while the new player completes their quarantine.
To mitigate this risk, the NHL mandated that each team establish a taxi squad, consisting of between four and six players. These players would travel and practice with their respective NHL team, effectively acting as an immediate reserve pool. The catch, however, was that players on the taxi squad could not participate in games unless they were officially "called up" to the main NHL roster. This presented a unique challenge for teams: how to balance the need for readily available backups with the development needs of their younger prospects. Teams were wary of having their top young talent potentially miss an entire season of competitive game action by being confined to a taxi squad role, yet they also needed players who could step into the lineup without being a liability if called upon.
A critical aspect of the taxi squad system was its impact on the Salary Cap. Players assigned to the taxi squad did not count against the team's salary cap unless they were "called up" to play in an NHL game. This provided teams with significant financial flexibility, allowing them to manage their cap space more effectively. Consequently, many teams, including the Flames, used this new structure as an opportunity to invite players on PTOs, aiming to fill their taxi squad with marginal NHL talent or experienced veterans rather than utilising high-end prospects who might benefit more from regular game time in a development league. The uncertainty surrounding the AHL season's commencement further complicated these decisions, as teams grappled with the dilemma of whether to prioritise veteran readiness or prospect development for these vital reserve spots.
The Flames' Pre-Season PTO Invitees: Hopefuls and Expectations
The Calgary Flames extended PTO invitations to a mix of familiar faces and new hopefuls, each with their own unique potential to fill a role within the organisation, whether on the main roster or the newly formed taxi squad. The primary focus of these invitations was to add Depth and experience, particularly given the unique demands of the upcoming season.
Michael Stone, Defence
For Flames fans, Michael Stone was a highly recognisable name on the PTO list. The 30-year-old defenceman had been a part of the Flames organisation since being acquired from the Arizona Coyotes near the 2017 trade deadline. During his initial stint, he proved to be a valuable asset, playing well in the 2016-17 season and suiting up for all 82 games the following year. However, his career took an unfortunate turn when a blood clot limited him to just 14 NHL games during the 2018-19 season, seemingly causing him to lose a step. Last season, he found himself in and out of the lineup, often healthy scratched, playing in only 33 of the team’s 70 games. Despite these challenges, Stone remained a consummate professional, always ready to step in and reliable on the third defensive pairing, averaging over 16 minutes of ice time per game.
His invitation to camp was not a surprise, especially given general manager Brad Treliving's known desire to add another right-handed defenceman to the mix. At the time, the Flames' legitimate right-handed NHL defenders were limited to Rasmus Andersson and new acquisition Chris Tanev. While the team's projected cap space was tight, signing Stone to a cheap deal was considered possible. Given their familiarity with Stone and the lack of other right-side options, many anticipated he would either secure a spot on the main roster or, at the very least, be a strong candidate for the taxi squad. His experience and professional attitude made him an ideal candidate for a depth role in a season where injuries and unforeseen absences were expected to be frequent.
Garret Sparks, Goaltender
The 2020-21 season brought another significant rule change: all teams were required to carry three goaltenders. This mandate made perfect sense in the context of the pandemic, as an injury or positive COVID-19 test for one goalie would necessitate an immediate replacement, which would be complicated by isolation requirements for an AHL call-up. Enter Garret Sparks, a goaltender invited on a PTO to address this specific need.
Sparks had a history of considerable success at the AHL level, highlighted by a phenomenal 2017-18 season with the Toronto Marlies, where he posted an impressive 1.79 Goals Against Average (GAA) and a .936 Save Percentage (SV%) with a 31-9-1 record. His NHL career, however, had been less stellar, with a 3.11 GAA and a .897 SV% in 38 games. He spent the 2019-20 season in the Vegas Golden Knights system, primarily with the Chicago Wolves, where he maintained respectable numbers. While his NHL statistics didn't inspire immense confidence, his proven AHL ability and some NHL experience made him a viable depth option. The Flames had other goaltenders under contract – Dustin Wolf (who was expected to return to junior hockey), Tyler Parsons, and Artem Zagidulin (whom they likely wanted to get AHL games). The new rule allowing one of the three required goalies to be on the taxi squad, without counting against the cap unless called up, made Sparks a logical insurance signing.
The Flames had also signed free agent goalie Louis Domingue to a one-year deal that offseason, who had over 100 more NHL games played than Sparks, albeit with similar career numbers. The possibility existed that Domingue would be assigned to the taxi squad, but this carried the risk of losing him on Waivers, given the anticipated scramble for third goalies across the league. This uncertainty could have opened the door for Sparks to secure a one-year deal, depending heavily on his training camp performance.
Brett Ritchie, Right Wing
While Michael Stone and Garret Sparks were officially confirmed PTO invitees, rumours circulated from reliable sources, notably Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, that forward Brett Ritchie was also a strong possibility for a PTO with the Flames. The 27-year-old right winger had played in 268 career NHL games, spending the previous season with the Boston Bruins (2 goals, 6 points in 27 games) and their AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins. Outside of a 16-goal season with the Dallas Stars in 2016-17, Ritchie had struggled to produce offence at the NHL level.
Despite his impressive 6-foot-4 frame, the Flames' forward group appeared to be largely set for the upcoming season, with additions like Joakim Nordstrom, Josh Leivo, and Dominik Simon already on the roster. It seemed unlikely that Ritchie would crack the top four lines, especially with 13 legitimate NHL forwards already under contract and a couple of prospects who could surprise. At 27, Ritchie had likely reached his potential, making him a strong candidate for a taxi squad role. His fairly extensive NHL experience would make him a solid player to call upon if injuries necessitated a lineup change. Although his PTO was never officially confirmed by the Flames, the credibility of the rumour suggested a genuine consideration for his services as a depth piece, particularly for the taxi squad.
The Final Roster: Who Made the Cut?
As training camp concluded and the 2020-21 NHL season commenced, the Calgary Flames announced their opening night roster and, crucially, their inaugural taxi squad. This announcement provided clarity on who earned a spot and, implicitly, which PTO hopefuls did not make the final cut for the main roster or taxi squad.
The opening night roster featured a blend of established veterans and exciting new additions:
Forwards:
- Mikael Backlund
- Johnny Gaudreau
- Milan Lucic
- Sam Bennett
- Sean Monahan
- Andrew Mangiapane
- Dillon Dube
- Joakim Nordstrom
- Josh Leivo
- Dominik Simon
- Elias Lindholm
- Matthew Tkachuk
Defence:
- Rasmus Andersson
- Nikita Nesterov
- Mark Giordano
- Christopher Tanev
- Noah Hanifin
- Juuso Valimaki
Goalies:
- Jacob Markstrom
- David Rittich
A significant highlight was the long-awaited debut of defenceman Juuso Valimaki, a top prospect who had battled lower-body injuries in previous seasons but finally made his way onto the NHL blueline. Other new faces cracking the lineup included Joakim Nordstrom, Josh Leivo, Dominik Simon, Nikita Nesterov, Christopher Tanev, and Jacob Markstrom. Many of these additions, particularly from the Vancouver Canucks, led to humorous comparisons about the Flames becoming the "new Vancouver Canucks."
The Confirmed Taxi Squad:
The Flames also confirmed the six players who would make up their initial taxi squad. Notably, none of the PTO invitees (Michael Stone, Garret Sparks, or Brett Ritchie) were among these confirmed players. This indicates that while they were considered for depth, they did not ultimately secure a contract or a spot on the taxi squad at the start of the season. The confirmed taxi squad consisted of:
- Louis Domingue (G): As anticipated, Domingue, the goalie signed to a one-year deal, was placed on the taxi squad. This move allowed the Flames to carry three goalies as required without impacting the main roster's cap space, while also mitigating the risk of losing him on waivers if he were assigned to the AHL.
- Derek Ryan (F): A veteran forward who cleared waivers, Ryan's experience and versatility made him a prime candidate for the taxi squad, providing a reliable option should a forward be needed.
- Oliver Kylington (D): The young defenceman also cleared waivers and was assigned to the taxi squad, offering a mobile and offensively-minded option from the backend.
- Zac Rinaldo (F): One of the PTO success stories from the previous season, Rinaldo, after clearing waivers, found himself on the taxi squad, a testament to his continued value as a gritty, energetic depth forward.
- Connor Mackey (D): A highly touted college signing, Mackey was placed on the taxi squad. While ideally, he would have gained experience in the AHL, his strong camp showing and proximity to NHL readiness made him a valuable taxi squad member.
- Buddy Robinson (F): A veteran minor leaguer with some NHL experience, Robinson's one-way contract and reliability made him a sensible choice for the taxi squad, providing a ready-to-play option.
Comparing the PTO Hopefuls and the Final Outcome
The journey from a Professional Tryout Offer to an NHL contract or a taxi squad spot is a challenging one. Here’s a summary of the players the Flames invited on PTOs and their eventual outcome based on the confirmed roster:
| Player | Position | Status at PTO | Key Attributes | Likely Role Considered | Confirmed Outcome (Early Season) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Stone | Defenceman | Unsigned veteran | Familiarity, right-shot, reliable depth, professional | Main Roster (cheap deal) or Taxi Squad | Did not make opening roster or taxi squad |
| Garret Sparks | Goaltender | Unsigned veteran | AHL success, NHL experience, 3-goalie rule fit | Taxi Squad (insurance) | Did not make opening roster or taxi squad |
| Brett Ritchie | Right Wing | Unsigned veteran (rumoured PTO) | Size, NHL experience, struggled offensively | Taxi Squad (depth forward) | Did not make opening roster or taxi squad |
This table highlights that while all three players were strong candidates for depth roles, particularly on the taxi squad, the Flames ultimately went with a different composition for their reserve unit. The decision likely hinged on a combination of factors, including specific skill sets, waiver eligibility, and the overall balance of veterans versus prospects the team wanted to maintain on their taxi squad.
The Importance of Depth in an Unpredictable Season
One overarching positive for the Flames heading into the 2020-21 season was the sheer amount of Depth they managed to assemble across their main roster and taxi squad. General Manager Brad Treliving had clearly prioritised this during the offseason, making several intriguing acquisitions. The strategic use of the taxi squad further amplified this depth, providing a critical buffer against the inevitable challenges of injuries and potential COVID-19 related absences.
This season was truly uncharted territory for everyone involved in professional sports. Managing a team through an entire season during a pandemic required unprecedented flexibility and foresight. The Flames, by carefully constructing their main roster and a versatile taxi squad, positioned themselves well to navigate the unpredictable landscape. The ability to pull players directly from the taxi squad without the delays of travel and isolation was a game-changer, ensuring the team could remain competitive even when faced with unforeseen circumstances. The early decisions regarding PTOs and the final taxi squad selection underscored the Flames' commitment to building a resilient and adaptable team for a season like no other.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Professional Tryout Offer (PTO) in the NHL?
A Professional Tryout Offer (PTO) allows an unsigned player to participate in a team's training camp and pre-season activities without being under contract. It gives the team a chance to evaluate the player's skills, fitness, and compatibility with the team, and the player an opportunity to earn a contract. PTOs are usually short-term and do not guarantee a roster spot.
Why were Taxi Squads introduced in the 2020-21 NHL season?
Taxi Squads were introduced specifically for the 2020-21 NHL season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They were created to provide teams with an immediate pool of reserve players who could step into the lineup quickly if main roster players were unavailable due to injury, illness, or isolation protocols, without the delays caused by travel restrictions and quarantine periods for AHL call-ups.
Do players on the Taxi Squad count against the NHL Salary Cap?
No, players on the taxi squad do not count against the team's NHL Salary Cap unless they are officially "called up" to the main NHL roster to play in a game. This flexibility allowed teams to manage their cap space more efficiently and carry additional depth without financial penalties.
Can players on the Taxi Squad play in games?
Players on the taxi squad cannot play in games unless they are formally "called up" to the NHL roster. Once called up, they count against the salary cap and are eligible to play. They would then be subject to normal roster rules and potentially waivers if they are later demoted back to the taxi squad or AHL.
How did the Flames use PTOs and the Taxi Squad to build depth?
The Flames used PTOs to evaluate specific players like Michael Stone, Garret Sparks, and Brett Ritchie, considering them for potential depth roles on either the main roster or the taxi squad. While these specific PTO players did not make the final cut, the Flames did assemble a taxi squad comprising players like Louis Domingue, Derek Ryan, and Zac Rinaldo, who provided valuable experience and immediate availability. This strategy ensured the team had sufficient depth to navigate the unique challenges of the pandemic-affected season, including potential injuries and player absences.
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