PTO - This is a 25 game contract with an AHL team, of which a player can only be signed to one twice per season. This allows a player to play for the AHL only. If they are released to the ECHL, the contract is ended.
ATO - ATOs are usually signed at the end of the season with players who are coming out of college or major junior. Often, these players are draft picks of the affiliated NHL club and will join the club to get a headstart on what will be their team for the coming season. ATO's do not expire after a certain number of games, but if they go to play in the NHL or any other league, they must be officially released from the ATO first.
Essentially, PTO's are seen as almost having a standard player contract and that you are a permanent fixture on the team. ATO's mean you are earning a spot on the team. As Carr was joining the team as a college student ending his career and looking to earn a spot on an AHL team next year, he is an amateur trying out for a contract.
Last edited by Drury18; 04-18-2014 at 09:14 PM.
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Going to be interesting to see how it all pans out down the road, but the Flames may have set up their top six forwards for the next 10+ years in just two drafts....
Reinhart has too much skill and work ethic to be in the minors. He has to be on the big club next season.
He was caught in the numbers game at the end of the season. Fully expect him to be with the big club all year next year, especially now that he's shown he can play all three forward positions.
At the very least, I hope he gets a call prior to Prospect Camp asking him which real number he would like on his jersey or just handed #25 on a Flames jersey as recognition for his excellent year in the AHL.
