The Chicago Blackhawks signed free agent defenseman Brandon Davidson to a professional try-out contract with an invitation to training camp. If he performs well, he could earn a one-year, one-way deal with the team. Davidson became an unrestricted free agent when he did not receive a qualifying offer from the New York Islanders.

Brandon Davidson is going to Chicago on PTO but has one year one way contract offer if they like what they see at camp. Had 10 PTO options — Jim Matheson (@NHLbyMatty) August 28, 2018

Brandon Davidson Signs PTO With the Chicago Blackhawks

Over his four-year NHL career, Davidson has played for the Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, and the New York Islanders. He has put up nine goals and 13 assists for 22 career points in 152 career games. Davidson has played in three career Stanley Cup Playoff games but has yet to record a point. He was originally drafted in the sixth round, 162 overall of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft by the Oilers.

Last season he scored four goals and three assists for seven points. He also added 23 minutes in penalties. His possession numbers were 50.6 percent Corsi-for and a relative Corsi of +0.3. He has a career 50.8 percent Corsi-for and a relative Corsi of +1.5.

What This Means for the Future

Davidson played for three separate teams last season, the Oilers, Canadiens, and Islanders. New York declined to offer him a qualifying contract this offseason, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent.

After being traded by the Oilers to Montreal, Edmonton claimed Davisdon back on waivers the following season. He was then traded to New York for a third-round pick.

Davidson provides a steady presence on the blueline by playing a physical game including blocking shots and passes. He will help the Blackhawks on the physical and defensive sides of the game, although he won’t contribute significantly offensively.

He has yet to play more than 51 games in a season, but he can be a reliable depth player that can fit in on Chicago’s bottom pairing or provide depth in case of injury. As proven by the Oilers, he can also be used as trade bait if the Blackhawks aren’t in a playoff position by next year’s trade deadline.

The Blackhawks brought Cody Franson to training camp on a PTO last year, before signing the defender just prior to the start of the season.

Main Photo: SAN JOSE, CA – FEBRUARY 10: Oilers defenseman Brandon Davidson (88) holds off Sharks center Logan Couture (39) during the NHL game between the San Jose Sharks and the Edmonton Oilers on February 10, 2018, at the SAP Center in San Jose, CA. (Photo by Matt Cohen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)