Flames invite four more PTOs to camp

The Calgary Flames have announced a quartet of professional try out players that they’ve invited to their training camp next week. Per the club, the PTOs are forwards @Devante Smith-Pelly, @Tobias Rieder, @Zac Rinaldo and @Alexandre Grenier.

Smith-Pelly, 27, is a right shot winger from Ontario. He was a highly-touted second round pick by the @Anaheim Ducks back in 2010, but he hasn’t solidified himself in any particular NHL role. He’s amassed 395 NHL appearances, but he’s bounced around between Anaheim, Montreal, New Jersey and Washington. He was a useful depth piece for the Capitals in their 2018 Cup run, though. He was coached by Flames associate coach Geoff Ward during his time in New Jersey.

Rieder, 26, is a left shot winger from Germany. He was a 2011 draft pick by the @Edmonton Oilers, but has also spent time with Arizona and Los Angeles. (Brad Treliving knows him rather well.) He didn’t score a single goal in 2018-19 with the Oilers, a fact brought up by Oilers executives during season ticket holder meetings. He’s got good wheels but not a ton of grit, but he might fit in well with the Flames’ transition-based style of game.

Rinaldo, 29, was originally a @Philadelphia Flyers pick back in 2008. He’s also played with Boston, Arizona and Nashville. He’s a fourth line piece. Not a ton of speed, not a ton of offensive upside, but he’s gritty and won’t be terribly expensive. (If they sign him and he doesn’t work out, he’ll easily clear waivers and can be tucked into Stockton.)

Grenier, 27, was a @Vancouver Canucks pick back in 2011. Unlike the other invites, he never really made his way into the NHL as he played just nine games with the Canucks. At this point of his career, he’s a moderately productive AHL body. Unless he really blows the doors off in camp, it’d be extremely surprising if he got on the radar for an NHL contract.

Main camp opens next Thursday with fitness testing. Defenseman Andrew MacDonald is also invited to camp on a PTO.