Unrestricted free agent Tomas Fleischmann has received professional tryout (PTO) offers from eight NHL teams, his agent reportedly told Vancouver’s News 1130 on Tuesday.
Fleischmann had a career year with the Panthers in 2011-12. (Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports)
Fleischmann, 32, split the 2015-16 regular season between the Montreal Canadiens and Chicago Blackhawks after making the Canadiens’ roster on a PTO at training camp. In 76 games, he tallied 14 goals and 11 assists— a major decline from the career year he had in 2011-12 with the Florida Panthers when he registered 27 goals and 34 points in 82 games— but showing he can still be effective at he NHL level.
The Czech-born forward has played with four NHL teams since signing a four-year, $18 million contract with the Panthers on July 1, 2011. After three seasons with the Panthers, Fleischmann was traded to the Anaheim Ducks during the 2014-15 season for Dany Heatley and a 2015 third-round draft pick.
Fleischmann became an unrestricted free agent that summer and received a PTO from the Canadiens, beginning 2015-16 with the club. In 57 games, he compiled 20 points before being traded to the Chicago Blackhawks.
Fleischmann was originally drafted by the Detroit Red Wings 63rd overall in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft but his NHL rights were traded to the Capitals before he ever played a game for the organization.
Despite Fleischmann’s decreased offensive production the past three seasons, he may be a serviceable option for an NHL team that seeks to add a veteran depth player.
