When looking at the Columbus Blue Jackets’ current roster, it is fair to wonder if they will be open to inviting a player or two to their training camp on a professional tryout (PTO) agreement
If the Blue Jackets are open to adding a player on a PTO, it would not be surprising if it is a defenseman. The Blue Jackets’ blueline could use more depth, and there are still some interesting UFAs left on the market
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One UFA who could make sense for the Blue Jackets to take a look at on a PTO is veteran defenseman Matt Grzelcyk
Grzelcyk is not the flashiest defenseman out there, but he has shown during his career that he can be an effective puck-moving blueliner. This was especially the case during the 2024-25 season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, as he set career highs with 39 assists and 40 points in 82 games
Grzelcyk followed up his career year by posting 12 assists in 69 games with the Blackhawks during this past season. Yet, when noting that Grzelcyk was a 40-point defenseman just back in 2024-25, he could be worth taking a look at with a PTO
If Grzelcyk impressed during his PTO and earned a contract for the season from the Blue Jackets, he would offer them another solid option for their bottom pairing. Yet, he could also be a nice pickup for the Blue Jackets if he was used as their seventh defenseman. In either scenario, Columbus’ depth would improve if they signed the Massachusetts native
Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see if the Blue Jackets take a gamble on Grzelcyk by signing him to a PTO from here
