Left winger Jamie Devane hasn’t played more than two games at the NHL level since first going pro in 2012 – but this fall, he’ll get the chance to earn a pro contract within an NHL club’s system.
The Calgary Flames have reportedly given Devane a professional tryout contract for the 2016-17 season, per James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail. He’ll get the opportunity to try and earn a spot with either the Flames or their AHL affiliate, the Stockton Heat.
Drafted in the third round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs, the 25-year-old winger stands at 6 foot 5 and a whopping 220 lbs, so the Flames could be looking to add some size to their depth chart with his tryout.
Given that he put up just six goals and 11 points in 62 regular season AHL games for the Milwaukee Admirals last season, though, this is likely more of a minor league tryout. It seems more probable that the forward will earn an AHL contract with the Heat, who would use him as a veteran and physical presence in their lineup for the coming season.
For those wondering how a low-producing minor leaguer earned a look from the Flames via PTO so soon before training camp begins, though, there is a connection between Devane and the Pacific Division club. Flames general manager Brian Burke, who was GM of the Maple Leafs from midway through the 2008-09 season until 2012, was in charge of the draft in which Toronto selected the gritty grinder.