Three Former Red Wings Accept Invites to NHL Camps

Three former Detroit Red Wings who have failed to find work for the 2024-25 season have at least secured what amounts to an NHL job interview.

Matt Luff signed a PTO withe Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, while defensemen Gustav Lindstrom and Mark Pysyk secured the same pro tryout agreement with the Anaheim Ducks.

Luff, 27, has played 106 NHL games, including 19 for the Red Wings in 2022-23. The Red Wings appreciated his 6-foot-2 size and work ethic. When he was down the Grand Rapids Griffins, he was also an impact player. In 54 games for the Griffins over two years, he shows 18 goals and 43 points.

The only negative about Luff is he is unlucky when it comes to injuries. But he has the tools to be an effective bottom six forward with enough skill to chip in goals now and then.

Lindstrom is only 25, and played for the Ducks last season. Maybe the Ducks are waiting to see how their defense looks at the end of training camp.

Pysyk, 32, hasn’t played in the NHL since 2021-22. He was on Detroit’s roster with a signed contract, but never actually played for the team because of an Achilles injury. Last season, he played 37 AHL games.

Players sign PTO agreements with the hope of persuading the team to sign them. But they also just want to play preseason games to remind every team in the league they are available and ready to play.

The Red Wings have one noteworthy PTO player: Michigan native Austin Watson, 32, a hard-nosed, 240-pound left wing who played for the Tampa Bay Lightning last season. He has played for three NHL teams (Nashville, Ottawa and Tampa Bay)