Blackhawks Sign Former Penguins Defenseman Matt Grzelcyk to Professional Tryout
Matt Grzelcyk, previously with the Pittsburgh Penguins, has agreed to a professional tryout (PTO) contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. The Blackhawks included his name on their training camp roster announced Tuesday, with Canadian broadcaster Sportsnet confirming the PTO agreement.
A PTO allows players to earn a full contract if they impress the coaching staff during training camp and preseason games.
Grzelcyk, 31, remained unsigned for most of the offseason despite a strong 2024-25 season with the Penguins. Last July, he signed a one-year, $2.75 million deal and played in all 82 games, tallying 40 points (1 goal, 39 assists) while averaging over 20 minutes per game.
Much of his offense came on the power play, where he led the Penguins with 15 assists during man-advantage situations.
With Grzelcyk’s move to the Blackhawks, forward Matt Nieto is now the only Penguins player from last season still without an NHL, AHL, or European contract.
