The Edmonton Oilers have extended a professional tryout (PTO) offer to forward Jasper Weatherby, a move that signals their continued focus on adding depth to their roster as they prepare for the 2024-2025 NHL season. Weatherby, 25, is a young center with professional experience in both the NHL and AHL, and he now has an opportunity to showcase his skills to the Oilers coaching staff in training camp.
Weatherby, who was originally drafted 102nd overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2018 NHL Draft, brings size and a two-way game to the ice. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 222 pounds, his physical presence could provide Edmonton with another option in their bottom-six forward group. Weatherby has spent time with both the San Jose Sharks and the Detroit Red Wings organizations, most recently playing in the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins.
Last season, Weatherby suited up for 51 games in the AHL, tallying a total of 17 points (11 goals and 6 assists). While his offensive output has been modest at the professional level, his game is built around more than just scoring. Known for his defensive responsibility and work ethic, Weatherby is often tasked with tough matchups and is expected to contribute in areas such as faceoffs and penalty killing. These attributes may appeal to the Oilers, who are looking for players that can provide depth, particularly in defensive situations.
The Oilers, who are led by stars such as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, have plenty of firepower up front. However, the team’s management is aware that long playoff runs demand strong contributions from role players, especially when it comes to defensive matchups, special teams, and energy line performances. A player like Weatherby could potentially carve out a niche for himself if he impresses in these areas during his tryout.
This PTO gives Weatherby a chance to prove that he can be a valuable asset for Edmonton, potentially earning a full contract with the team. While competition for roster spots will be fierce, especially on a team with championship aspirations, Weatherby’s size, experience, and defensive capabilities offer him a path to make an impact.
For Weatherby, this is a pivotal moment in his career, as he looks to solidify a place in the NHL. The tryout with Edmonton provides him with a platform to demonstrate his value, and both the player and the team will be watching closely to see if this opportunity translates into a longer-term stay.
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