With training camp just around the corner unsigned free agents are starting to accept professional tryouts in hopes of latching on with a team and landing a contract.
The latest to do so is defenseman Nicklas Grossman, who is expected to join the Calgary Flames in camp on a tryout basis.
Hearing #Flames will offer D Niklas Grossmann a PTO.
— Dean Molberg (@fan960boomer) September 13, 2016
Grossman spent last season with the Arizona Coyotes and struggled mightily at both ends of the rink. He recorded just seven points and 42 shots in 57 games while posting some pretty ugly underlying numbers.
At 5 v 5 the Coyotes controlled just 44.6% of the shot attempts and 45.6% of the goals with Grossman on the ice. Without Grossman those numbers jumped up to 47.6% and 49.2% so it's clear they were a much worse team with him on the ice.
I do think the Flames are smart to explore the free agent market to try and improve the team's depth on defense but I don't think Grossman is the way to go.
He enters camp, or at least he should, as a long shot to make the team, however, the Flames' lack of depth on the bottom half of the blue line should certainly help his cause.
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