The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed goaltender Jon Gillies to a professional tryout (PTO) as they gear up for training camp. The announcement was made on September 17, just before camp begins. Gillies, 30, is looking to compete for a spot on the preseason roster, but there are no guarantees with a PTO.
Gillies had a year off in the 2023–24 season and has experienced a fluctuating professional career. He stands out for his size at 6-foot-6, which helps him cover a significant portion of the net. Despite spending most of his time in the AHL, he has had brief stints in the NHL with teams like the Columbus Blue Jackets, St. Louis Blues, New Jersey Devils, and Calgary Flames, where he has a record of 8-16-3 and a .891 save percentage over 35 games.
Originally drafted by the Calgary Flames in the third round of the 2012 NHL Draft, Gillies had a successful collegiate career, leading Providence University to a national title in 2015 and earning the Frozen Four’s Most Outstanding Player award. However, he has struggled with lateral movement and rebound control, which have hindered his NHL opportunities. Injuries, including a persistent hip issue, have also impacted his career.
In the AHL, Gillies has posted a 2.94 GAA and a .904 SV% with nine shutouts in 184 games. The Leafs currently have a crowded goaltending situation with Joseph Woll, Anthony Stolarz, Matt Murray, Dennis Hildeby, and Artur Akhtyamov vying for spots. If Gillies secures a contract, it’s likely to be a two-way deal or an AHL contract with the Toronto Marlies rather than a spot on the Maple Leafs’ main roster.