The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly set to invite defenseman Travis Dermott to their training camp on a Professional Tryout (PTO), according to a report from Dustin Nielson of Edmonton Sports Talk. There had been speculation for weeks that the Oilers were seeking to add an experienced defenseman, and it appears they have settled on Dermott for the opportunity.
Dermott, 27, has spent seven seasons in the NHL, playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, and most recently, the Arizona Coyotes. Last season, he appeared in 50 games for Arizona and has played a total of 329 NHL games in his career, mostly in a third-pairing role, averaging 16 minutes of ice time per game.
A potential factor in the Oilers’ decision is Dermott’s connection to several key figures within the organization. Dermott played under Oilers’ head coach Kris Knoblauch during his time with the Erie Otters in the OHL, where he was also teammates with Oilers’ captain Connor McDavid. In addition, Dermott was previously represented by Jeff Jackson, now the Oilers’ President of Hockey Operations.
Dermott, who was a high second-round pick by Toronto in the 2015 NHL Draft, played his best hockey with the Maple Leafs. He was traded to Vancouver in 2022, but his 2022-23 season was derailed by a concussion suffered during a preseason practice, limiting him to just 11 NHL games and one AHL appearance on a conditioning assignment. After his contract with Vancouver was not renewed, Dermott signed a one-year, two-way deal with Arizona and spent the season in the NHL, albeit with modest performance.
As of now, the Oilers have not officially confirmed Dermott’s PTO, but if it becomes official, he would be the 15th defenseman on the Oilers’ training camp roster. The team will need depth for their split-squad games on September 23, as well as single games on September 22 and 25, making Dermott’s ability to play on both sides of the ice potentially valuable in the early stages of camp.
Dermott will have the opportunity to prove himself during training camp and potentially earn a contract with the Oilers. His previous connections with McDavid, Knoblauch, and Jackson may help him in securing a fresh start in Edmonton.
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