The Boston Bruins are reportedly considering offering Professional Tryout Contracts (PTOs) to forwards Blake Wheeler and Kailer Yamamoto, according to Shawn Hutcheon of The Fourth Period. Wheeler played for the New York Rangers in the 2023-24 season during their run to the Eastern Conference Final, while Yamamoto spent last season with his hometown Seattle Kraken
Wheeler, originally drafted fifth overall by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2004 NHL Draft, began his career with the Bruins after not signing with Phoenix. The Minnesota native spent two and a half seasons in Boston, tallying 50 goals and 110 assists in 210 games before being traded to the Atlanta Thrashers. Wheeler spent 13 seasons with the Atlanta/Winnipeg franchise, playing nearly 900 games, before joining the Rangers as a free agent.
Yamamoto was drafted 22nd overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2017 NHL Draft and made his NHL debut in the 2017-18 season, appearing in nine games. He had a breakout season in 2021-22, recording 20 goals and 21 assists in 81 games for Edmonton. The Oilers traded him to the Detroit Red Wings during the 2023 NHL Draft, but Detroit bought out his contract. Yamamoto then signed a one-year deal with the Kraken, where he scored eight goals and totaled 16 points in 59 games.
The Bruins are familiar with PTO deals, having signed forward Danton Heinen to one last season. Heinen’s return to Boston was successful, as he contributed 17 goals for the team.
