Canucks invite Landon Ferraro to training camp on PTO

The Canucks have invited 28-year-old forward Landon Ferraro to training camp on a PTO. Ferraro recorded two goals and five points in 12 games for Minnesota’s AHL team, the Iowa Wild, during an injury-riddled 2018-19 season.

Ferraro has 77 career NHL games under his belt, including a 58-game campaign in 2015-16 with the Boston Bruins where he registered five goals and five assists. The son of current TSN analyst Ray Ferraro, Landon was selected 32nd overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2009 NHL Draft.

It’s nice for the Canucks to give the BC native Ferraro a shot, but this is likely a move to potentially improve their depth in AHL Utica. Ferraro last appeared in the NHL in 2017 where he played in two October contests for the Wild. He hasn’t played over 70 games in a professional season since registering 27 goals in 70 contests for the Grand Rapid Griffins in 2014-15.

Injuries have contributed to Ferraro’s inability to carve out a role at the NHL level, but his leadership and scoring ability (when healthy) could benefit the Comets. PTO’s are also a good way to challenge current prospects and players who may be battling for roster spots in camp.

Ferraro was selected as the winner of the Yanick Dupre Memorial Award as the 2018-19 IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year. The award is presented annually to an AHL player for his outstanding contributions to his local community and charitable organizations. Ferraro won the award for dedicating his 2018-19 season to helping his lifelong friend Craig Cunningham and the All Heart Foundation.

Depending on how Ferraro does on his PTO, he could be a decent depth signing as a contributor in Utica and solid emergency call-up.