We are already deep into the second month of National Hockey League free agency, and here’s a development that will make you scratch your head: Tyson Jost, a guy selected 10th overall in the 2016 NHL Draft, is still out there, completely unsigned. It’s August, folks, and for a player with that kind of draft pedigree, this is wild.
From Top Pick Hype To The Trade Block Merry-Go-Round
Seriously, imagine the hype around being a top-10 pick. Jost, now 28, got that call from Colorado in Buffalo back in 2016. He spent six seasons with the Avalanche, a significant chunk of his early career, before things started to get really interesting. He was dealt to Minnesota at the 2022 trade deadline, a move that shook things up for him. But his time with the Wild was brief, less than a year, before the Buffalo Sabres claimed him that November. Talk about a whirlwind of team changes in such a short period for a guy who once had such high hopes.
Buffalo Hopes Dwindle And The Scramble Continues
When he landed in Buffalo, Jost played in 102 games for the Sabres. He racked up 28 points during his tenure, bagging 10 goals and dishing out 18 assists. He was even part of the squad that came within a single point of snapping the Sabres’ playoff drought. That was huge for the team, so much so that GM Kevyn Adams decided to bring back the entire roster. You’d think that would mean some stability for Jost, right? Nope. The very next season, his production fell off a cliff. He scored just six points in 43 games, and boom, he was demoted to AHL Rochester. It’s a harsh reminder of how quickly things can change in this league.
His journey didn’t stop there. In 2024, he signed a one-year deal with Carolina and split his time between the Hurricanes and their AHL affiliate in Chicago. He even got re-signed last summer, which looked like another chance. But before the regular season even began, Nashville swooped in and claimed him. He played 69 games in Music City, tallying 16 points with 8 goals and 8 assists. It feels like he’s just been bouncing from one spot to the next, trying to find a home.
What’s Next For A Former High Draft Pick?
Now, it’s the first week of August. We are officially in the territory where players who haven’t found a home start looking at unconventional paths. Think Europe, short-term deals, or even professional tryouts, hoping to earn a one-year contract. Jost is still under 30, so there’s definitely gas left in the tank. Clubs like Calgary or Vancouver, who might be looking to round out their roster with a veteran presence, could certainly bring him in on a PTO. He’d have to fight to earn a spot, but it’s a shot. What’s next for a guy who was once a top-10 pick? Will it be overseas, a PTO, or does he pull off a surprise deal? We’ll be watching every move, wondering if this former high draft pick can still find his footing and earn a spot.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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