On Tuesday, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins traded defenseman Nikolai Knyzhov to the Grand Rapids Griffins for future considerations.
In his first season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Knyzhov was hardly spectacular, but he offered a steading presence to a blue line that was constantly in flux because of injuries or call-ups.
So, why was he traded?
Easy. It’s “ATO season.” That’s ATO as in “amateur tryout.”
At this stage of the American Hockey League season, NHL affiliates begin to sign their drafted prospects to contracts for future seasons as their seasons at the NCAA or junior levels come to a conclusion. In the meantime, those players often will sign amateur tryout contracts for the remainder of the current season with AHL affiliates to get some valuable experience in the professional ranks.
In recent days, the Pittsburgh Penguins have signed three such prospects on defense, and all three could join the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on an “ATO” in the near future.
Finn Harding, seventh-round draft pick (No. 233) in 2024
In his overage (i.e. final) season with the Brampton Steelheads, Harding is one of the most productive defensemen in the Ontario Hockey League with 56 points (seven goals, 49 points) through Wednesday. He signed a three-year entry-level contract March 3.
Brampton has clinched a playoff berth, and Harding won’t be able to join Wilkes-Barre/Scranton until the Steelheads are eliminated from the postseason.
Daniel Laatsch, seventh-round draft pick (No. 215) in 2021
Part of former general manager Ron Hextall’s first draft class, Laatsch spent four seasons at the NCAA level at Wisconsin and signed a two-year entry-level contract Monday.
An undisclosed injury limited him to 22 games and five points (two goals, three assists) as a senior this season. At 6-foot-5 and 191 pounds, he is already one of the biggest players in the organization.
Chase Pietila, fourth-round draft pick (No. 111 overall) in 2024
Pietila opted to leave Michigan Tech following his sophomore season and signed a three-year entry-level contract Sunday.
This season, he skated in 36 games and posted 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists).