Eric Gryba

Edmonton Oilers: Eric Gryba to Return to Camp on a PTO

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Edmonton Oilers are bringing defenseman Eric Gryba back to training camp on a professional tryout, TSN’s Ryan Rishaug confirmed Tuesday.

The right-handed defender entered the free agency market in July, but never reached a solidified NHL job. He was offered a PTO with Edmonton but was unsure of whether or not he would return to the team.

Gryba is a solid defender to have in the top six and is a capable right-hand shot. The 6-foot-4, 228-pound blueliner also maintains a lot of physical ability and was one of the Oilers’ better players this past season.

Gryba finished the season with six points (one goal, five assists) in 52 games and also managed a .4 Relative Corsi. Before falling to a knee injury that would sideline him for the rest of the season, he had 8.4 hits per 60 and 4.9 blocks per 60. Gryba is, in the end,a great physical presence who can get the job done and be a force on the backend.

Having Gryba as an option is a blessing for Edmonton, especially given the fact that he is on a PTO. This means that he can compete for a roster spot at no cost to the Oilers, and in the end, he will be signed for cheap if he does make the cut. He will likely compete with defensemen like Matthew Benning and Ethan Bear, but both are long shots to make the roster straight out of camp.

I see Gryba making the roster and being the sixth defender, or a healthy scratch for some games.