Hartford Wolf Pack Sign Veteran Defenseman in Bold Late-Season Move

Veteran defenseman Travis Dermott brings NHL experience and championship pedigree to the Hartford blue line with a new professional tryout deal.

Travis Dermott Signs PTO with Hartford Wolf Pack as He Looks to Extend NHL Journey

The Hartford Wolf Pack are bringing in a seasoned blueliner with NHL pedigree, as defenseman Travis Dermott has signed a professional tryout agreement (PTO) with the club. At 29, Dermott is looking to carve out his next opportunity in a career that’s already seen him log nearly 350 games at the NHL level.

Dermott spent the 2024-25 season bouncing between the Edmonton Oilers and Minnesota Wild organizations. He suited up for ten games with the Oilers and appeared in three more with their AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors-where he notched a goal. Later in the season, he saw action in nine games with the Wild, continuing a journey that’s been defined by versatility and resilience.

Since breaking into the league, Dermott has played in 348 NHL games across five teams: the Oilers, Wild, Arizona Coyotes, Vancouver Canucks, and the Toronto Maple Leafs-the team that drafted him 34th overall in the second round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Over that span, he’s tallied 62 points (16 goals, 46 assists), carving out a role as a reliable, puck-moving defenseman who can handle bottom-four minutes and contribute on the transition.

For fans who remember his early days, Dermott made a name for himself in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies. He was named to the 2018 AHL All-Star Classic and was a key piece in the Marlies’ Calder Cup championship run that same year. In 28 regular-season games that season, he posted 18 points (2 goals, 16 assists), and added 14 playoff appearances to help the Marlies bring home the title.

Now, with the Wolf Pack-the AHL affiliate of the New York Rangers-Dermott is stepping into a new chapter. For Hartford, this PTO is a low-risk, high-upside move.

Dermott brings experience, leadership, and a steady presence on the blue line. For Dermott, it’s a chance to prove he’s still got gas in the tank and can contribute at a high level, whether that means mentoring younger defensemen or pushing for another shot in the NHL.

This isn’t just a depth move-it’s a potential difference-maker for a Wolf Pack team looking to stay competitive in a tough AHL landscape. And for Dermott, it’s one more opportunity to show that his story in pro hockey is far from over.