This spring has seen numerous players sign Amateur Tryout Agreements (ATO) and report to the AHL affiliate of their draft teams. Frequently teams utilize a current ATO in conjunction with an entry-level contracting commencing the next season. For the team, the ATO avoids using up a year of the player’s entry-level deal for the last few games of the regular season, while simultaneously introducing a young player to AHL hockey. For the player, the ATO provides him with the opportunity to compete at the pro level without losing his amateur status.
Several players have signed ATO’s without signing an entry-level contract, at least not yet. The most notable of these players are James Hagens (BOS) and Roger McQueen (ANA). Both Hagens and McQueen are rumored to be close to signing entry-level deals, although nothing has taken place so far. Toronto and Pittsburgh are the most recent teams to use the ATO in this fashion. Maple Leafs’ forward prospects Tyler Hopkins (OHL Guelph) and Harry Nansi (OHL Owen Sound) are currently with the Marlies on ATO’s. Likewise, Penguins forward prospect Ryan Miller (WHL Portland) & d-man prospect Quinn Beauschene (OHL Guelph) are in AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
There are also a number of players who have signed both an ATO and an entry-level contract commencing next season, ending their amateur careers and joining the pro ranks for good. Among them, perhaps the most notable are Trey Augustine (DET) (currently in AHL Grand Rapids) and fellow goaltender Michael Hrabal (UTA) (currently in AHL Tuscon).
Finally, there are some players this spring skipping the ATO altogether, signing an ELC and joining their respective NHL clubs right away. Such players include Porter Martone (PHI), Cole Hutson (WSH), Sacha Boisvert (CHI), and Anton Frondell (CHI).