Cal Petersen Gets New Shot With Capitals on PTO

NHL Cal Petersen Gets New Shot With Capitals on PTO

By Ben Gale

August 25, 2026 • 3:02 PM EDT

Updated 2 hours ago

Cal Petersen Gets New Shot With Capitals on PTOcal petersen washington capitals pto

Cal Petersen is on the move again. After spending the 2025-26 season in the Minnesota Wild organization, the veteran goaltender has agreed to a professional tryout (PTO) with the Washington Capitals. That puts Petersen, 31, front and center for a shot at earning a full NHL contract as camp opens.

Petersen never actually hit the NHL ice for Minnesota, but he was frequently recalled from AHL affiliate Iowa Wild. The bulk of his year was spent in Iowa, where he made 33 starts, posting a 2.73 goals-against average with an .896 save percentage. These numbers show Petersen isn’t a headline-stealer, but he’s steady — and with 248 career AHL appearances, he knows how to anchor a crease under pressure.

According to Yahoo Sports, Petersen entered free agency after his one-year deal in Minnesota expired. You don’t often see a netminder with over 100 NHL games — career 2.96 GAA and .903 save percentage — looking for a home, but the Wild’s roster shuffle changed the outlook fast.

The Wild’s decision to elevate Jesper Wallstedt and bring in Calvin Pickard as backup left Petersen with little room to stick around. Minnesota made clear they’ve moved to a younger goalie tandem, signaling a reshuffle Petersen couldn’t compete with for minutes.

Here’s why this matters to bettors and hockey fans: A PTO is not a contract. It’s a gamble for both team and player. Petersen now has to outperform in Capitals camp to prove he can bring reliable depth or mentor a less-experienced backup. Washington, meanwhile, gets a motivated, seasoned veteran but risks nothing if things don’t pan out — perfect for a club balancing depth and flexibility.

Petersen’s Wild Year and the Numbers You Need

Petersen’s 2025-26 season was defined by readiness but not opportunity in the NHL. Recall after recall and still not a single regular-season appearance. For a goalie trying to carve out another chapter, that leaves a hunger — and gamblers know motivated players can make handy bounce-back candidates if they catch a hot streak in a new spot.

Petersen played 33 AHL games for Iowa with a 2.73 GAA, .896 save percentage
He was recalled several times to Minnesota but stayed on the bench
The Wild changed direction, investing in younger options like Wallstedt and signing Pickard
Petersen became a UFA and inked a PTO with the Capitals
He has experience with the Kings, Flyers, Wild, and has played 106 NHL games
Petersen’s best NHL season: 2020-21 with the Kings (35 games, .911 save percentage)

Why Washington Is Taking a Look

This is a low-risk, high-reward flyer for Washington. They’re not committing a roster spot or a major cap hit, but they see an opportunity to strengthen their goaltending depth chart. Petersen’s numbers tell you the story: not a top-tier starter anymore, but absolutely valuable if you’re thinking about insurance, especially for long seasons where everyone needs a reliable option if injuries or slumps hit.

Where Does This Leave the Wild?

Petersen’s departure makes the Wild’s commitment to younger goalies clear. Jesper Wallstedt steps into a bigger role, with Calvin Pickard now providing backup cover. For Minnesota, it’s about the future. For Petersen, it’s one last shot to stick in the NHL — and for bettors, that motivation is something to keep an eye on if he cracks the Caps’ regular season lineup.

Key Takeaways

Cal Petersen moves to Washington on a PTO after a year as Wild depth insurance
Petersen did not play NHL games for Minnesota, but had a steady AHL season
Wild’s goaltending reshuffle made his return impossible
Petersen has experience — 106 NHL games across three organizations
Capitals get a risk-free look at a motivated veteran in camp
Petersen’s PTO means a strong camp could land him an NHL contract
Bettors should watch for preseason performances and roster cuts

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Frequently Asked Questions

A PTO, or professional tryout, is a short-term opportunity that allows a player to join an NHL team’s training camp and compete for a contract without any guaranteed spot or pay beyond expenses.

No, Petersen did not appear in any NHL games for the Wild, though he spent time on their roster and was frequently recalled from the AHL’s Iowa Wild.

Petersen played 33 games for the Iowa Wild, logging a 2.73 goals-against average and an .896 save percentage. He has also played in 248 career AHL contests.

Minnesota reshaped its goaltending by giving Jesper Wallstedt a bigger role and signing Calvin Pickard, leaving no opening for Petersen to re-sign.

Petersen has played in 106 career NHL games with a 2.96 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage, with his best season in 2020-21 with the Kings.

Petersen will compete for a full NHL contract in Capitals camp. If he impresses coaches, he could earn a deal and become an option for the regular season roster.

Petersen has been part of the Los Angeles Kings, Philadelphia Flyers, Minnesota Wild, and now joins the Capitals on a PTO, also playing in the AHL throughout his career.