Instant Analysis: Flyers Sign Chris Stewart to PTO

NHL: Columbus Blue Jackets at Calgary Flames
Mar 29, 2018; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames right wing Chris Stewart (8) during the warmup period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed 31-year-old forward, Chris Stewart, to an NHL Pro Try-Out. He will attend the team’s training camp and look to obtain a contract for the upcoming season.

Chris Stewart is a former first-round pick that never really materialized into anything more than a bottom-six forward. Since being drafted 18th-overall by Colorado in 2006, Stewart has played with Colorado, St. Louis, Minnesota, Buffalo, Anaheim, and Calgary. In 652 NHL games, Stewart recorded 160 goals and 161 assists. Additionally, he racked up 729 penalty minutes.

Stewart’s last NHL season was in 2017-18. He split the year between Minnesota and Calgary, posting 16 points in 54 games. Last year, he played for the Nottingham Panthers of the EIHL. In 23 games, Stewart recorded six goals and seven assists.

Just because Philadelphia signed Stewart to a PTO, does not mean he will be a part of the organization at the start of the regular season. This is a case of Chuck Fletcher giving a former player of his with the Wild an opportunity to prove he can still provide something at the highest level. If Stewart is unable to turn heads in training camp, the Flyers will simply move on from him.

Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports