As the season draws nearer, some un-signed players will look to join teams on professional tryouts. In fact, one former Oiler has already signed a PTO with a Pacific Division rival, as another Pacific Division rival appears to have a key player ready to start the season.

Let’s dig into all of that in the latest NHL Notebook.

Tyson Barrie signs a professional tryout with the Flames

Tyson Barrie spent parts of three seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, quarterbacking a lethal powerplay. He was traded along with picks and prospects to the Nashville Predators before the trade deadline for Mattias Ekholm, and was an unrestricted free agent until the Calgary Flames signed the right-shot defenceman to a professional tryout Tuesday.

Frank Seravalli

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Hearing #Flames are bringing veteran defenseman Tyson Barrie to training camp on a PTO. One season removed from a 13-goal, 55-point campaign, he isn’t the only surprising name to linger this long. Needs to earn a deal, but could be a great leadership addition for Calgary.

9:37 PM · Sep 3, 2024

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Barrie was selected in the third round of the 2009 draft by the Colorado Avalanche, spending eight seasons with them before taking his talents to Toronto. After a season there, he signed with the Oilers, making the already great power play even better. He scored 25 goals and 128 points in 190 games before the Oilers traded him at the 2023 trade deadline.

In parts of two seasons with the Predators, he scored four goals and 27 points in 65 games, only playing 41 games in 2023-24 as a seventh defenceman. He’ll get an opportunity with the Flames on the powerplay.

Thatcher Demko will be ready for training camp

Vancouver Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko finished second in Vezina Trophy voting, but missed all but one game in the postseason due to a knee injury. It seemed like he wouldn’t be ready for training camp, jeopardizing his season’s start. However, Rick Dhailwal corrected his original report on Tuesday, noting that Demko is on the ice and should be ready to go when training camp starts.

Rick Dhaliwal

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#Canucks goalie update

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6:03 PM · Sep 3, 2024

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Demko had a terrific season in 2023-24, posting a .918 save percentage and a 2.45 goals-against average in 51 games, along with a 35-14-4 record. Overall, he finished second in Vezina voting, and could have won it if not for a late-season injury to his knee.

After one postseason game, Demko went down with another knee injury on the same knee, but a different type of injury. After finishing first in the Pacific Division, the Canucks were able to breeze by the Nashville Predators, before taking the Edmonton Oilers to Game 7 in the second round.

Honouring Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau

The passing of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau still doesn’t feel real. On the evening of Aug. 29, the two brothers were struck by an alleged drunk driver in their hometown, set to celebrate their sister’s wedding the following day.

Johnny Hockey played for two teams in his 11-year career, the Calgary Flames and the Columbus Blue Jackets. Both teams are set to hold a Candlelight Vigil for the two brothers on Wednesday, the Blue Jackets at 5:30 PM MT and the Flames at 8 PM MT.

Later on Tuesday evening, Montréal Canadiens’ forward Cole Caufield announced on Instagram that he’s changing his number to 13 in honour of Johnny, noting how much of an inspiration he was to his career being of similar stature.

Chris Johnston

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From IG: Cole Caufield elaborates on his decision to wear No. 13 in honor of his hero Johnny Gaudreau. The two played together for Team USA at the IIHF World Hockey Championship in May.