What's Happening?
The Nashville Predators have signed Isaac Ratcliffe, a former forward for the Philadelphia Flyers, to a professional tryout (PTO). Ratcliffe, who was originally selected by the Flyers in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, has spent the majority of his career in the American Hockey League (AHL). He played for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the Flyers' AHL affiliate, where he recorded 22 goals and 56 points over five seasons. Ratcliffe also appeared in 10 NHL games during the 2021-22 season, scoring one goal and four points. After being traded to the Predators in 2022-23, Ratcliffe spent the last season with the Milwaukee Admirals, the Predators' AHL affiliate, where he recorded one goal and two assists in 13 games. Ratcliffe is now aiming to secure a contract
for the 2025-26 season with the Predators.
Why It's Important?
Ratcliffe's signing is significant for the Nashville Predators as they look to bolster their roster with experienced players who can contribute both in the AHL and potentially at the NHL level. Ratcliffe's experience and size could provide depth to the Predators' lineup, especially given his previous NHL experience and his performance in the AHL. For Ratcliffe, this PTO represents an opportunity to prove his worth and potentially earn a spot on the Predators' main roster. The move also highlights the Predators' strategy of utilizing PTOs to evaluate players who can add value to their team, which is crucial in maintaining competitive performance in the league.
What's Next?
Ratcliffe will participate in training and preseason activities with the Predators, where he will have the chance to demonstrate his skills and earn a contract for the upcoming season. The Predators will assess his performance during this period to determine if he fits into their plans for the 2025-26 season. If successful, Ratcliffe could become a regular part of the Predators' lineup, contributing to their efforts in the NHL. The outcome of this tryout will be closely watched by both the team and Ratcliffe, as it could significantly impact his career trajectory.
