Calle Jarnkrok has emerged as a PTO option for Mike Babcock as the Edmonton Oilers prepare to sort out their bottom-six competition.
Training camp is approaching, and Edmonton still has roster spots available. That leaves room for a veteran forward to enter camp without the Oilers having to commit to a contract.
Jarnkrok is now being floated as one of those options. The former Toronto Maple Leafs forward remains unsigned after a difficult 2025-26 season.
Mike Gould recently connected Jarnkrok to Edmonton as a possible professional tryout candidate while also pointing toward another possible destination.
“Either way, it remains to be seen whether an NHL club (perhaps the Oilers or Sharks?) will take a flier on Jarnkrok…”
That possibility fits Edmonton's situation. A PTO would give Babcock another experienced forward to evaluate while increasing pressure on players competing for bottom-six jobs.
Calle Jarnkrok could push Edmonton's depth
Jarnkrok appeared in 56 games for Toronto last season, finishing with 6 goals and 8 points. Those numbers left him searching for another NHL opportunity this summer.
His longer track record gives the idea more weight than a typical camp invitation. Jarnkrok has reached the 30-point mark 6 times over his NHL career.
Edmonton wouldn't need him to drive the top six. The attraction would be adding competition, positional flexibility and another experienced option deeper in the lineup.
Jarnkrok can move around the forward group, which could matter during camp when coaches start testing combinations and deciding who can handle different assignments.
A PTO also carries limited commitment for the Oilers. Jarnkrok would have to earn his place through camp rather than arrive with a guaranteed roster spot.
That makes the decision fairly straightforward from Edmonton's side. If Jarnkrok looks capable of helping the bottom six, the Oilers could keep talking about a contract.
If the fit isn't there, Edmonton can move on. But with jobs available and camp approaching, Jarnkrok represents another experienced name Babcock could put directly into the competition.
Should the Oilers give Calle Jarnkrok a PTO?
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