With the season quickly approaching, it's that time when we look at potential PTO candidates for the New Jersey Devils. If you don't know what a PTO player is, it is basically a player who gets invited to training camp without a guaranteed NHL contract. The player will then have to prove themselves in camp and preseason for a roster spot and an NHL contract.
Carson Soucy, Defenseman
It's never a bad thing to have a couple of defensive bodies on your roster; given the Devils' injury history, it's not a bad idea whatsoever. Carson Soucy is definitely an option for New Jersey, a left-handed defenseman who has a ton of NHL experience. The 32-year-old stands tall at 6'4 weighing just over 200 pounds, and would bring a ton of size and defensive stability for New Jersey. The Devils have four left-handed defensemen rostered: Jonas Siegenthaler, Luke Hughes, Brenden Dillon, and Declan Chisholm. One injury changes everything; Carson Soucy could be the one to swoop in and get some ice time.
Carson Soucy played a total of 76 games last season, playing for both the Islanders and Rangers. He had an average of 16:31 TOI, while having 105 hits, 91 blocked shots, and 12 points.
Michael Bunting, Forward
Michael Bunting could potentially receive an NHL contract before a PTO one, but this is a player that more than half the league is still keeping their eyes on. The 30-year-old left winger is currently a UFA after his three-year, $13.5 million contract expired recently. He played 74 games last season, 61 of them with the Predators and the rest with the Stars. Bunting finished the season with 33 points, scoring 14 goals as well. Michael Bunting provides a net-front presence for the Devils along with a ton of physicality, not the biggest player but isn't afraid to make contact on ice.
The Devils currently have a projected left-wing group of Timo Meier, Jesper Bratt, Arseny Gritsyuk, and Stefan Noesen. It is still unknown what the Devils will do with Noesen, but you can argue that Bunting is the better player and would be an upgrade for the bottom line.
Logan Stanley, Defenseman
Having more defensive bodies on the roster always helps, and Logan Stanley is a potential candidate to grab a spot. The 6'7 left-handed defenseman is a former first-round pick and is coming off one of his better offensive seasons while still being a hard-hitting, physical defenseman. Stanley played 76 games for the Jets and Sabres last season, averaging 16:42 TOI and recording107 hits, 70 blocks, and 26 points, 9 of those being goals. Logan Stanley could rip pucks from the blue line; his shot has reached up to 97 MPH.
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