Conor Sheary is reportedly getting another shot to prove himself in the NHL, signing a professional tryout contract (PTO) with the New York Rangers, according to the New York Post. This development reunites him with head coach Mike Sullivan, under whom Sheary won two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Sheary, now 33, became a free agent after the Tampa Bay Lightning terminated the final year of his three-year, $6 million contract following a disappointing stint. The move offers the veteran winger a chance at redemption and the Rangers a low-risk option as they explore depth for their forward group.
After Tampa Struggles, Sheary Hopes to Recapture Past Success with Sullivan Again
Sheary’s time in Tampa Bay was underwhelming. Despite signing a significant contract in July 2023, he only managed 15 points in 57 games and was relegated to the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch for most of the 2023–24 season. There, he posted a respectable 61 points in 59 games, showing he can still produce offensively.
But with little NHL ice time and no points in his last five games with the Lightning, Sheary reportedly asked for his contract to be terminated in hopes of finding another NHL opportunity.
Mike Sullivan (NHL)Sheary has played 593 regular-season NHL games, notching 124 goals and 267 points. His most memorable performances came during the Penguins’ 2016 and 2017 Stanley Cup runs, where he became a reliable middle-six forward under coach Sullivan.
His breakout 2016–17 season saw him score 23 goals and tally 53 points, career highs that remain unmatched. Over two stints in Pittsburgh, all under Sullivan’s leadership, Sheary contributed 97 points in 192 games and played a key role in the team’s playoff success.
Sheary Reunites with Sullivan as Rangers Explore Depth Amid Cap Constraints and Competition
The Rangers are banking on familiarity and chemistry as they assess their depth ahead of the 2025 season. With Sullivan newly signed to a five-year contract after leaving the Penguins, bringing in Sheary on a PTO appears to be a move influenced by their shared history.
With under $800,000 in cap space, a tryout deal allows the Rangers to evaluate Sheary without financial risk. He could fill a third-line role or serve as veteran insurance if younger prospects like Gabe Perreault aren’t ready to contribute at the NHL level.
Despite the connection with Sullivan, Sheary faces stiff competition at the Rangers’ training camp. Several young forwards, including Adam Edstrom, Matt Rempe, Brennan Othmann, and Juuso Parssinen, are already signed and will be fighting for limited roster spots.
While Sheary’s experience and past playoff pedigree give him an edge, he must prove he still has the speed and consistency to contribute meaningfully. The Rangers’ decision to offer him a PTO is a calculated one, and his performance in camp will determine if his NHL journey continues.
