Alex Galchenyuk’s career winding to a close?

Last season, the Arizona Coyotes signed Galchenyuk to a professional tryout contract and the veteran forward managed to earn his spot on the roster, signing a a one-year, $750,000 contract. Then, on July 13, he became an unrestricted free agent and, to this day, he remains unsigned. It almost feels like it could be the end of his NHL career at just 28 years old…
Galchenyuk started his NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens, where he played spent the first six years after the Habs selected him third overall in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Then, he was moved to the Coyotes in Arizona, before he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, and then the Minnesota Wild. He went on to sign as a free agent in the 2020 offseason with the Ottawa Senators, to be traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, who never dressed him for a game. He came to Toronto with a new attitude and it was surprising to see training camps starting off with Galchenyuk still without a deal. He went back to Arizona, but is now looking for his next destination.

Pro Hockey Rumours suggest that Galchenyuk could find a spot in one of two groups: those in the basement and those married to the cap ceiling.

“For those teams currently rebuilding, Galchenyuk represents something of an upgrade, and if the forward can rebound, they may be able to deal him to a contender closer to the deadline for an asset. If not, the team is rebuilding and doesn’t have to commit to him any longer than they wish. Galchenyuk could merely be a roadblock for one of that team’s prospects or young players, but for some rebuilders, they may prefer to let those players continue their development in juniors, college, the AHL, or overseas as opposed to a struggling NHL roster, Galchenyuk then becoming a reliable placeholder at the least.”

However, still according to Pro Hockey Rumours, Galchenyuk might be able to join a contender up against the salary cap. They also wonder if a return in Montreal, “where the overwhelming majority of Galchenyuk’s NHL success has come”, could be in the cards.

In recent days, some teams have signed veteran players to professional tryouts, notably James Neal in Columbus and Jimmy Vesey with the New York Rangers. Might could be coming to Galchenyuk as well. We bet he is keeping his hopes up with weeks to go before puck drop.