The Boston Bruins are reportedly in talks to extend Professional Tryout Contracts (PTOs) to veteran forwards Blake Wheeler and Kailer Yamamoto, as per Shawn Hutcheon of The Fourth Period. Both players bring a wealth of experience to the table, and their potential addition to the Bruins could bolster the team’s depth for the upcoming season.
Blake Wheeler, who spent the 2023-24 season with the New York Rangers and helped them reach the Eastern Conference Final, is no stranger to the Bruins. Wheeler began his NHL career with Boston after being drafted fifth overall by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2004 NHL Draft but opted to sign with the Bruins instead. During his two and a half seasons with Boston, Wheeler tallied 50 goals and 110 assists in 210 games before being traded to the Atlanta Thrashers. Wheeler later became a staple for the Atlanta/Winnipeg franchise, playing nearly 900 games over 13 seasons before joining the Rangers.
Kailer Yamamoto, selected 22nd overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2017 NHL Draft, has also had a noteworthy career. Yamamoto made his NHL debut during the 2017-18 season and had a breakout year in 2021-22, scoring 20 goals and adding 21 assists for the Oilers. After a brief stint with the Detroit Red Wings, Yamamoto spent the past season with his hometown team, the Seattle Kraken, where he recorded eight goals and 16 points in 59 games.
The Bruins have had success with PTO deals in the past, notably with forward Danton Heinen, who signed a similar deal before last season and went on to score 17 goals in a successful return to Boston. If Wheeler and Yamamoto can impress during their tryouts, they could become valuable additions to the Bruins’ roster, bringing experience and versatility to the team.
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