Matt Grzelcyk’s PTO and the consequences of the Chicago Blackhawks – Hockey Writer – Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks signed defenseman Matt Grzelcyk for the Professional Trials (PTO) on Tuesday. The news surprised fans when the team bought out veteran TJ Brodie, and Alec Martinez retired. So it seems to be the same as the old and the new.
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However, it makes sense to shoot Grzelcyk (31) at two levels. First, if he formed the team, he would have strengthened the veterans in the back end of a team born with only one defensive player (Connor Murphy) before 2000. Second, he can push young players who may be at the forefront to improve his game.
Either way, the Grzelcyk PTO announcement has potential implications. So let’s dive in.
Grzelcyk’s last season
After seven seasons with the Boston Bruins, Gzelsick spent the 2024-25 season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He posted career-high games (82), assists (39), points (40) and average time (20:37) in the game.
From the outside, it’s strange that more teams aren’t Grzelcyk’s suitors. But I admit, I didn’t watch a lot of Penguin Hockey. Sylvie McCarthy of hockey writer said this,”[He] It was done well, but his game was severely restricted anywhere else. ”
It’s not a fascinating recognition, but she offers more insights to help us understand what General Manager Kyle Davidson thinks.
It turns out he is a huge difference in power play… He is a solid player this season and he is a good in-depth asset.
That’s the sentiment that many Penguin fans express: Grzelcyk’s quarterback is excellent, but sometimes struggles with defense, 5-on-5. He demonstrated his offensive ability last season and has proven in the past that he can play all-round games. Even if it didn’t work in Pittsburgh, his experience, especially playing with elite players, made his PTO a low-risk move for Davidson.
The potential fit in Chicago
As the camp progressed, Davidson and head coach Jeff Blashill provided more insight into the thinking process of signing Grzelcyk to the PTO.
“Our backend is still young, so it’s an extra competition for young players, and it’s a chance for Matt to make our team or impress another team in the league … to create games and improve the level of training camp.”
Davidson also reminds everyone that Grzelcyk played with Captain Nick Foligno and Ryan Donato on the Boston Bruins, so it was familiar. The team also received positive reports about Grzelcyk’s role, indicating that he could take on a leadership role.
Wyatt Kaiser (Red) wins a fight with Kevin Korchinski pic.twitter.com/8trpqscdyh
— Kalen Lumpkins (@kalenalumpkins) September 19, 2025
The reasoning makes sense, although bringing Grzelcyk to many people, which makes many wonder who would be a weird guy if he became the team. Initially, Wyatt Kaiser seemed to be a fallen man, but it seemed unlikely after he signed a two-year contract on Wednesday.
Blashill reiterated how he hopes Grzelcyk motivates young defensemen, saying they may receive a contract if they “struggle in camp and look like they need AHL time.”
Blashill probably refers to Kevin Korchinski or Artyom Levshunov. They played for Rockford’s Icehogs last season, but they both participated in the NHL performance. Korchinski played 76 games in the 2023-24 season and has more NHL experience. However, everyone looks pretty strong in the Blackhawks game.
The Blackhawks defenders are so young that Grzelcyk can stagger. Nolan Allan, Louis Crevier and Sam Rinzel are three other people who don’t guarantee NHL positions. So Grzelcyk’s PTO provides the Blackhawks with a dual purpose of motivation and insurance, while giving him the opportunity to show what he can offer if it doesn’t work in Chicago.
Time will prove
Davidson’s offseason signing and trading have been calculated, and Grzelcyk’s PTO is no exception. Despite its practical purpose, fans should also understand that bootcamps are competitive. Faltering, the organization’s participants can take up your place. It’s exciting and proves that the team has set high standards as they don’t fill the roster out of despair.
Davidson and Company have ushered in the next era. Now, players need to deliver.
