Rangers Sign Former Stanley Cup Champion to Tryout Agreement
In a calculated and intriguing move ahead of the 2025–2026 NHL season, the New York Rangers have signed a former Stanley Cup champion to a professional tryout agreement (PTO), signaling their commitment to exploring all avenues for veteran depth, leadership, and playoff readiness. While PTOs are common in NHL training camps, this one carries added significance, as the player in question not only brings championship experience but also an edge of grit, resilience, and hockey intelligence that could help round out the Rangers’ roster for a deep postseason run.
The player joining Rangers camp under the PTO is none other than 35-year-old winger Alex Killorn, a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Killorn, known for his tenacious two-way play, ability to elevate in the postseason, and veteran leadership, will have the opportunity to earn a contract and possibly solidify a role on a Rangers team that continues to search for the right formula to return to Stanley Cup contention.
Killorn’s signing was confirmed through an official team statement and first reported by NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, sending ripples through the hockey community. While not a blockbuster acquisition, it’s a nuanced, strategic addition. The Rangers’ front office, led by President and GM Chris Drury, has long emphasized experience and character as key components of building a championship roster. Killorn, who played over a decade in Tampa Bay and was instrumental in their back-to-back Cup runs in 2020 and 2021, fits that mold.
Entering camp on a PTO doesn’t guarantee Killorn a roster spot, but it does set the stage for one of the more interesting roster battles of the fall. The Rangers are a team with aspirations, depth, and plenty of young talent competing for ice time. Still, they’ve also shown a consistent interest in reinforcing their bottom six with battle-tested veterans who can handle tough minutes, kill penalties, and provide leadership in a pressure-packed market like New York.
Killorn’s strengths align closely with the type of player the Rangers have historically relied upon for stability and postseason poise. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing over 200 pounds, he brings size, intelligence, and experience to the wing. He is capable of playing up and down the lineup, from grinding out shifts on the third line to filling in on a scoring line when necessary. He’s also a valuable contributor on special teams, especially the penalty kill, where his positional awareness and shot-blocking ability can still make a difference.
While the 2024–2025 season was one of his quietest offensively—he registered just 18 points in 59 games due to injury and decreased ice time—Killorn has a proven track record. In his prime, he consistently delivered 15–20 goals and hovered around 40–50 points per season. Even more telling are his playoff numbers: 85 points in 140 career postseason games, including crucial performances during Tampa Bay’s Cup runs, where he was a dependable secondary scorer and physical presence.
The Rangers’ coaching staff, led by Peter Laviolette, is likely to view Killorn as a potential stabilizing force on the third or fourth line—a role that could free up younger, more offensively dynamic players for more offensive deployments. His ability to play both wings also gives Laviolette flexibility in mixing and matching lines as the season evolves.
Killorn spoke with reporters shortly after the news broke, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and optimism about what lies ahead. “I’ve always admired the way the Rangers play and the way they’ve built this team. There’s a strong culture here, a commitment to winning, and I’d be honored to be a part of it,” he said. “This is a challenge I’m embracing. I know nothing is guaranteed, but I believe I still have a lot to offer.”
He added that he’s entering camp fully healthy and motivated. “I’m coming in with the mindset of earning everything. I’ve always been a player that prides himself on doing the little things right—competing every shift, playing responsible hockey, and being a good teammate. If that’s what the Rangers are looking for, I’ll do my best to show I can help.”
The Rangers’ depth chart on the wings includes big names like Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Alexis Lafrenière in the top six, while the bottom six is more fluid. Young forwards such as Brennan Othmann, Will Cuylle, and Adam Edström are expected to push hard for full-time NHL roles, and the addition of Killorn adds another layer of competition and mentorship. While some might argue that a veteran on a PTO could take ice time away from a younger player, others view it as an important insurance policy—a known quantity with postseason credentials in case younger options aren’t ready for a full 82-game slate and playoff grind.
Killorn’s presence in the locker room may also be part of the Rangers’ long-term thinking. With the loss of several veterans in recent seasons and a leadership group still maturing, having someone who has won, led, and sacrificed for the game could be a valuable asset—especially when the calendar flips to March and April.
The decision to bring Killorn in on a tryout rather than a guaranteed deal is also telling. The Rangers are tight against the salary cap and need to maximize every dollar. A PTO allows them to evaluate him without commitment, see how he stacks up in camp and preseason action, and determine if his current form matches their vision. If he earns a contract, it would likely be a one-year, low-cost deal close to the league minimum with possible performance incentives.
Former teammates and NHL personalities were quick to voice their support for Killorn, noting his character and commitment. Lightning captain Steven Stamkos tweeted, “No surprise to see Kills getting another shot—true pro, great teammate, always showed up when it mattered. Wishing him the best in New York.”
NHL analyst and former player Kevin Weekes echoed that sentiment on air, saying, “This is the type of guy every team needs in the room. You don’t win without Alex Killorn types. The Rangers are smart to bring him in and see what he’s got left.”
Fans have reacted with cautious optimism. While some are focused on the development of homegrown prospects and concerned about veterans limiting their minutes, others recognize the strategic value of veteran depth. In a league where playoff success often hinges on secondary scoring, leadership, and poise under pressure, having a player like Killorn on standby could be a season-defining decision.
From a broader team-building standpoint, this PTO illustrates the Rangers’ ongoing effort to fine-tune a roster that’s right on the edge of contention. They’ve got their core, they’ve got their stars, and they’ve got the prospects. What they’ve lacked in recent years—especially in key playoff moments—is the kind of savvy, physical, and defensively responsible play that veterans like Killorn can offer.
The next few weeks of training camp will be critical. Killorn will need to prove that he still has the legs, the timing, and the drive to compete at a high level. He’ll be evaluated not just on production, but on his ability to win puck battles, disrupt plays, support teammates, and lead by example. With no guarantees, every shift will matter.
If he succeeds, it could be the start of an unexpected but impactful chapter in his career—trading Florida beaches and Gulf Coast success for the lights of Broadway and the quest for another Cup. If he falls short, he leaves with dignity, knowing he gave it one more shot.
Regardless of outcome, the Rangers’ decision to extend a PTO to Alex Killorn is the kind of nuanced move that championship-caliber organizations make. It’s thoughtful, strategic, and reflective of a front office that understands the importance of balance: youth and experience, speed and grit, potential and pedigree.
As camp opens and the competition heats up, all eyes will be on Killorn. One more chance. One more jersey. One more shot at glory. And perhaps, one more reason for Rangers fans to believe that this could be the year.
