Two Longtime NHL Veteran's Released From Their Professional Tryouts

Thomas Hickey was signed to a PTO with the Carolina Hurricanes, after spending his whole career with the New York Islanders. Hickey is 33 years old, and is from Calgary. He was drafted 4th Overall by the Islanders in the 2007 NHL Draft. Since then, he's never really been a groundbreaking player in New York, but did give something to the team. In the last 2 season's combined, he's played only 7 games having 2 assists.

James Neal was signed to a PTO with the Columbus Blue Jackets, with his former team being the St Louis Blues. He is 34 years old. His birthplace is Whitby, Ontario, Canada. James was drafted in the 2nd Round of the 2005 NHL Draft. He's been on 7 different teams in his career; St Louis Blues, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, Vegas Golden Knights, Nashville Predators, Pittsburgh Penguins, and last but not least, Dallas Stars. Neal's best season was with Pittsburgh, when he had 81 points.

It's a shame that these guys were cut. They may have not been the best veterans, but they could've taught the young guns coming in a little bit