August 24, 2026 • 6:03 PM EDT
Updated 14 days ago
It’s almost PTO season in the NHL and, if you’re following the Canadiens, there’s one free agent sitting in the pile who jumps out – Eeli Tolvanen. If you’re new to the PTO talk, that’s a professional tryout, and it’s basically a chance for teams to take a closer look at unsigned veterans before committing to a contract. Montreal finds itself needing depth and grit on the wing, and Tolvanen brings plenty of both.
This isn’t a shot in the dark. The Canadiens’ forward core could use another top-nine winger, and Tolvanen has shown he’s up to the task. He just wrapped up a season with the Seattle Kraken where he put together 12 goals, 36 points, and racked up 187 hits. That’s not nothing, especially if you’re looking for a winger who isn’t afraid to get physical or chip in on the scoresheet. Notably, his previous campaign was even better: he had a career-best 23 goals, 35 points, and 237 hits, showing his physical style is no fluke.
According to Yahoo Sports, the Canadiens would be smart to at least bring him to camp on a PTO. But his stats suggest he’s worth more than just a trial — a short-term contract doesn’t sound outrageous with what he’s shown.
Why is this worth your attention? Montreal is searching for someone who can balance skill with energy, and Tolvanen’s numbers show he brings real value two ways. His 423 NHL games produced 92 goals, 98 assists, and nearly a thousand hits. Over eight seasons, that kind of consistency and willingness to go hard on the forecheck gives the Canadiens coaching staff exactly what they’re short on.
If you’re hunting bets or roster futures around Montreal, knowing who could land on the right wing is key. There aren’t many UFAs left with Tolvanen’s profile – it’s not just the scoring, it’s the physical presence — a combination the Canadiens need if they want to take pressure off their young core and improve their depth scoring.
Why Tolvanen Fits for Montreal
- He’s one of the last free agents with 20-goal upside and proven hitting ability.
- Montreal’s top-nine has a hole for someone with skill and physicality.
- A short-term deal or PTO invite adds no long-term cap risk but could pay off big if he clicks in camp.
- He’s not just a role player; he’s averaged almost a point every two games at his NHL peak.
- From a betting perspective, adding Tolvanen would bump Montreal’s forward group depth and could nudge those futures and Over/Under totals upward.
Key developments to watch
- PTO window opens league-wide as September nears. Multiple teams will be circling the remaining free agents.
- Eeli Tolvanen stands out for Montreal’s consideration with scoring and physicality.
- Canadiens’ roster has an open spot in their top nine forward group.
- Tolvanen’s last two seasons (including a career-high year) point to untapped upside if used right.
- Any move for Tolvanen could change depth chart dynamics and give bettors more predictability on winger usage.
Actionable Takeaways
- Monitor the Canadiens’ PTO invitations — if Tolvanen’s name pops up, he’s a favourite to stick.
- If he’s signed before camp, anticipate a likely bump in Montreal’s depth scoring lines.
- His hit totals suggest he could also impact team toughness props and hit markets if offered by books.
- Tolvanen’s versatility gives Montreal greater lineup flexibility — don’t be surprised if he earns power-play or penalty-kill time.
- Watch for changes in Montreal’s forward prop markets if Tolvanen officially joins.
- If you’re betting early on Canadiens season props, flag this signing as a possible uptick for team offence and grit.
More coverage: latest NHL news, our NHL betting analysis and NHL expert picks.
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