Rangers Gives Sheary a PTO Contract.

From Mollie Walker of the New York Post, the New York Rangers gave Conor Sheary a professional tryout contract as he tries to come back with Mike Sullivan after his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins ended. Sheary won two Stanley Cups under Sullivan while skating with Sidney Crosby & Evgeni Malkin. Last season, he was with the Tampa Bay Lightning’s AHL Affiliate Syracuse Crunch, as he tries to make a comeback in the NHL.

Career Overview: From Undrafted to Stanley Cup Champion

Early Career and Pittsburgh Success

Conor Sheary’s NHL journey is a testament to perseverance. Going undrafted, the Winchester, Massachusetts native worked his way up through the AHL before making his NHL debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2015-16.

His breakthrough came immediately, as Sheary became an integral part of Pittsburgh’s back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2016 and 2017. Playing alongside Sidney Crosby and under Mike Sullivan’s system, Sheary developed into a reliable top-six forward who thrived in high-pressure situations.

Pittsburgh Penguins (2015-2018, 2019-2021):

• 2015-16: 44 GP, 23 G, 30 A, 53 PTS
• 2016-17: 61 GP, 23 G, 30 A, 53 PTS
• 2017-18: 82 GP, 18 G, 35 A, 53 PTS
• 2019-20: 69 GP, 23 G, 20 A, 43 PTS
• 2020-21: 54 GP, 14 G, 21 A, 35 PTS

Buffalo Struggles and Return to Pittsburgh

After his initial success, Sheary was traded to Buffalo in 2018, where he struggled to replicate his Pittsburgh form. In two seasons with the Sabres, he managed just 37 points in 79 games, leading to his return to Pittsburgh in 2019.

Buffalo Sabres (2018-2019):

• 2018-19: 79 GP, 14 G, 23 A, 37 PTS

Washington and Seattle Stops

Brief stints with Washington and Seattle followed, where Sheary showed flashes of his former self but couldn’t secure a long-term role.

Washington Capitals (2021-2022):

• 2021-22: 80 GP, 14 G, 29 A, 43 PTS

Seattle Kraken (2022-2023):

• 2022-23: 82 GP, 14 G, 21 A, 35 PTS

Tampa Bay Lightning Chapter

Most recently, Sheary signed a three-year, $6 million contract with Tampa Bay in July 2023. However, his tenure with the Lightning was disappointing, managing just 44 games and 16 points before being bought out.

Tampa Bay Lightning (2023-2025):

• 2023-24: 44 GP, 7 G, 9 A, 16 PTS
• 2024-25: Limited action before buyout

Career Statistics Summary

NHL Totals (2015-2025):

• Games Played: 647
• Goals: 150
• Assists: 218
• Points: 368
• Plus/Minus: +31
• Playoff Experience: 89 games, 32 points

What the PTO Means for the Rangers

Low-Risk, High-Reward Opportunity

A Professional Tryout allows the Rangers to evaluate Sheary without any salary cap commitment. If he impresses during training camp and preseason, they can offer him a standard contract. If not, they can part ways with no financial penalty.

Salary Cap Flexibility

With the Rangers facing salary cap constraints, a PTO provides maximum flexibility. Should Sheary earn a contract, it would likely be a league-minimum deal, allowing the team to add depth without significant financial commitment.

Veteran Leadership

At 32, Sheary brings championship experience and veteran leadership to a Rangers team with Stanley Cup aspirations. His playoff resume (89 games) could prove invaluable during a potential postseason run.

What Sheary Brings to the Rangers

Proven Chemistry with Mike Sullivan

The most compelling aspect of this signing is Sheary’s history with head coach Mike Sullivan. During their time together in Pittsburgh, Sheary thrived in Sullivan’s system, posting his best NHL seasons and winning two Stanley Cups.

Sullivan knows how to maximize Sheary’s strengths:

• Speed and forechecking ability
• Net-front presence on power plays
• Clutch scoring in big moments
• Versatility to play multiple forward positions

Skill Set Analysis

Strengths:

• Hockey IQ: Excellent at finding soft spots in defensive coverage
• Hands: Soft touch around the net and in tight spaces
• Speed: Still possesses good straight-line speed
• Experience: Two Stanley Cup rings and extensive playoff experience
• Versatility: Can play left wing or center

Areas of Concern:

• Consistency: Has struggled to maintain production over full seasons
• Physicality: Not a physical presence, can be knocked off pucks
• Age: At 32, may be past his prime
• Recent form: Coming off a disappointing stint in Tampa Bay

Pros and Cons of the Signing

Pros

1. Zero Risk: PTO carries no salary cap implications
2. Championship Pedigree: Proven winner in big moments
3. Sullivan Connection: Established chemistry with the head coach
4. Depth Addition: Provides forward depth without major commitment
5. Veteran Presence: Brings experience to a young core
6. Special Teams: Can contribute on power play units

Cons

1. Age Concerns: May be past his prime at 32
2. Recent Struggles: Poor performance in Tampa Bay raises questions
3. Injury History: Has dealt with various injuries throughout career
4. Limited Upside: Unlikely to be more than a bottom-six contributor
5. Roster Spot Competition: May take opportunities from younger players

Rangers’ Forward Depth Chart Impact

Currently, the Rangers have established top-six forwards but could use depth scoring. Sheary would likely compete for a bottom-six role, potentially on the third or fourth line.

Potential Line Combinations:

• Could slot into third-line left wing role
• Power play specialist on second unit
• Penalty kill contributor with his speed

Contract Expectations

If Sheary impresses during his PTO, he would likely earn a one-year contract worth between $775,000-$1.5 million. The Rangers need affordable depth, and Sheary’s championship experience could justify a slightly higher salary than league minimum.

The Mike Sullivan Factor

The reunion with Mike Sullivan cannot be overstated. Sullivan coached Sheary during his most successful NHL seasons, and their familiarity could be the key to unlocking whatever remains of Sheary’s potential.

Sullivan’s system emphasizes:

• Fast-paced, aggressive forechecking
• Quick transitions
• Net-front presence
• Opportunistic scoring

These elements align perfectly with Sheary’s skill set when he’s at his best.

Training Camp Battle

Sheary will face competition from other forwards vying for roster spots. His experience and championship pedigree give him an edge, but he’ll need to prove he can still contribute at the NHL level.

Key Evaluation Points:

• Skating speed and conditioning
• Chemistry with potential linemates
• Special teams contributions
• Leadership qualities in practice and games

Conclusion

The Conor Sheary PTO represents a smart, low-risk move by the Rangers. While he may be past his prime, his championship experience and familiarity with Mike Sullivan’s system make him an intriguing depth option.

Success will depend on whether Sheary can recapture the form that made him a key contributor to two Stanley Cup championships. If he can, the Rangers will have added valuable depth at minimal cost. If not, they can move on without any financial consequences.

For a team with championship aspirations, adding a proven winner like Sheary—even in a limited role—could prove to be the type of depth signing that makes a difference come playoff time.

The PTO gives both sides a chance to evaluate fit without commitment, making it a win-win situation as the Rangers continue building toward another Stanley Cup run.