Hartford Wolf Pack Signs Former NHL Defenseman Travis Dermott to PTO

The Hartford Wolf Pack announced the signing of veteran defenseman Travis Dermott to a professional tryout agreement, a low-risk move that injects NHL experience into a Wolf Pack blue line battling through a tough Atlantic Division stretch. Dermott, 29, arrives in Hartford with 348 NHL games, 16 goals and 62 points on his résumé, and the chance to re-establish himself after offseason shoulder surgery.

Dermott’s career traces back to the 2015 draft when the Toronto Maple Leafs selected him 34th overall. Bluelinestation’s breakdown shows 251 games with the Maple Leafs, 28 with the Vancouver Canucks, 50 with the Arizona Coyotes, 10 with the Edmonton Oilers and nine with the Minnesota Wild. He made his NHL debut in 2017-18 and posted his best season in 2018-19 with four goals and 17 points while averaging 17:18 in 64 games. Across eight NHL seasons Dermott has averaged roughly 15:50 of ice time per game.

Last season offered a tougher chapter. Dermott split time between the Edmonton and Minnesota organizations, appearing in 19 NHL games without registering a point and skating in three AHL contests for the Bakersfield Condors, where he scored once. On his return to pro hockey, Hockey Patrol noted, "A former Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman is returning to pro hockey months after undergoing surgery." Bluelinestation reported the surgery was shoulder work intended to correct chronic issues.

The PTO is structured as an evaluation window rather than a long-term commitment. "Dermott’s PTO will last 25 games and can be terminated at any point," The Hockey News wrote, while NY Hockey Insider framed the move succinctly: "The point is simple, Hartford lets him get into game shape and prove he’s healthy in real minutes. A PTO runs for 25 games, and either side can end it whenever they want. It can also be extended." For Dermott, those 25 games represent an audition to show both his recovery and readiness for a potential recall to the Rangers organization.

The organizational context is straightforward. Hartford is the New York Rangers' AHL affiliate and sits near the bottom of the Atlantic Division with a 16-23-4-1 record, creating an opening for a veteran presence. The Rangers remain in retool mode and recently shuffled depth pieces, moves that make an experienced left-shot like Dermott a potentially useful piece if injuries or trades force call-ups ahead of the March 6 trade deadline.

Hartford has not announced a debut date; Hockey Patrol indicated Dermott will not play in the immediate Saturday matchup with the Providence Bruins and that the Pack’s next game is against the Charlotte Checkers. For fans, Dermott’s arrival is both a familiar name to watch and a barometer of recovery. If he regains form over the PTO’s span, he could provide short-term stability in Hartford and a ready option for the Rangers as the NHL resumes after its Olympic pause.