ATO/PTO Season: Influx Of Young Talent Joining The AHL
PHOTO: Bridgeport Islanders

ATO/PTO Season: Influx Of Young Talent Joining The AHL

AHL
Tony Androckitis

Tony Androckitis

— 5 min read

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Written by: Tony Androckitis

As the college hockey season in the United States ends, combined with the regular season ending in junior hockey in Canada (OHL, WHL, QMJHL) as well as for many hockey teams overseas - younger players are eligible to be signed/assigned to the American Hockey League (AHL) under a variety of different terms.

For hockey players in the NCAA who want to maintain future NCAA eligibility for a potential return in the 2026-27 season, they must sign amateur tryout agreements (ATO).

For players who are turning pro, or have recently signed their NHL entry-level contracts and have the first year of that contract beginning in 2026-27, they can sign either an ATO, a professional tryout contract (PTO) or a standard AHL contract to join an AHL team for the remainder of the 2025-26 season and 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs.

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Report: AHL Penguins Expected To Play Western Conference Opponents In 2026-27

Report: AHL Penguins Expected To Play Western Conference Opponents In 2026-27

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins

Written by: Tony Androckitis It appears Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins fans will have the opportunity to see some new opponents in Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza this upcoming season as multiple sources indicate to InsideAHLHockey.com that the AHL Penguins will be playing some teams from the Western Conference during their

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lock-1 By Tony Androckitis