Jassen Cullimore and Kyle Calder each have a lot going for
them in Ducks’ training camp.

They are experienced, but not old. In intrasquad scrimmages,
both players have shown at least flashes of the skills that have allowed them
to play a combined 23 NHL seasons. And for what it’s worth, they’ve been
assigned relatively low jersey numbers (32 for Calder and 40 for Cullimore),
not the higher ones reserved for minor-league and junior-league players, a
superficial suggestion that they’re not about to get cut.

The one thing they’re missing is an NHL contract. Cullimore and Calder are the only players in camp on Pro Tryout Agreements, and while that sounds like a lot of added pressure to find a roster spot, Cullimore has a different take.

“In a sense, there’s really no pressure,” the defenseman said. “You don’t have a contract, you don’t have a spot. You’re pushing to get it. The only thing you can do is look forward and push.”

Cullimore comes to camp after playing the last two seasons for the Florida Panthers. He had two goals and 10 points in 68 games last season, but the 6-foot-5, 240-pounder is not known for his offense.

“I play a defensive style,” he said. “I can bring some physical-ness to the game and play a fairly steady game. Looking up and down their lineup, there’s some of that, but I think there’s a lot of offense on the defensive end here, and I feel like I can sort of help out on the other side of things.”

While the Ducks could use his height and grit to make up for the absence of Chris Pronger, an imposing 6-foot-6 defenseman during his three seasons here, Cullimore admits the situation isn’t ideal.

The 36-year-old began talking to the Ducks about signing a PTO in August, but in the meantime the team signed 25-year-old defenseman Steve Eminger. Cullimore decided to report to Ducks camp anyway.

“The opportunity wasn’t looking as good (as it was) coming in,” he said, “but still there’s opportunity.”

Calder’s chances of making the team might be better, if only by virtue of sheer numbers. The 30-year-old spent the last two seasons in a Kings uniform, scoring 15 goals and 47 points.

In Anaheim, he wouldn’t be looked upon to score — the Ducks have plenty of scorers this year — and management may choose to keep him around for his on-ice awareness and tenacity. Rob Niedermayer and Brad May filled similar roles in years past, but are no longer with the team.

“I hope I can be physical, feisty, add some character,” he said, “a third-line guy, up and down, mucking it out down in the corners, just working consistently day in, day out.”

While Calder has never attempted to make a team on a pro tryout contract, Cullimore said this is his third try in as many years.

Neither player was in the lineup for tonight’s exhibition game against the Phoenix Coyotes, but they will see game action before the preseason is over.

“They’re going to get an opportunity,” head coach Randy Carlyle said. “I don’t think it would be fair to the players, if you bring them in on tryout then don’t give them an opportunity to play in some exhibition games.”