Ducks sign veteran forward Tobias Rieder to professional tryout

According to CapFriendly, the Anaheim Ducks have signed veteran forward Tobias Rieder to a professional tryout, adding him to the competition at training camp.

Rieder, 28, now has 478 regular season NHL games under his belt after playing 44 with the Buffalo Sabres this year. He registered just five goals and seven points in those games, however, continuing the pattern of offensive futility he has established over the last few seasons.

There was a time that Rieder could be counted on for around 15 goals and 30 points, but during a brutal goalless season with the Edmonton Oilers–one which sparked Edmonton’s then-CEO to go on an infamous rant to season ticket holders–that all seemed to change. The speedy forward had just four goals and ten points in 2019-20 with the Calgary Flames and is now fighting for a job in the NHL.

Even with his struggles, there is some upside to bringing a veteran like Rieder into camp. The Ducks have several young forwards fighting for a role on the team this season and players like Rieder will only serve to push them to work harder. He could perhaps land an NHL contract, but it’s not clear exactly how he’d fit in with the already overcrowded Anaheim roster.