Dallas Stars: Tyler Pitlick Proving To Be The New Patrick Eaves

On July 1, the Dallas Stars made an unexpected move by signing Tyler Pitlick to a three-year deal. But through the first eight games, it’s clear that GM Jim Nill signed a diamond in the rough.

Two months ago, there was no absolute certainty that newly signed Dallas Stars forward Tyler Pitlick would make the opening night lineup. But here we are eight games into the 2017-18 season, and the thought of him being scratched seems absolutely folly.

On the morning of July 1, the Stars made an altogether unexpected move when they signed forward Tyler Pitlick. Not only did they add him to the roster, but they inked him to a three-year contract worth $3 million ($1 million AAV).

At the time, Pitlick was an unknown 25-year-old forward with only a handful of NHL games under his belt (58, to be exact). The Minnesota native had been drafted 31st overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, but had yet to solidify himself at the NHL level.

So why did the Dallas Stars want/need him? At the time of the signing, Stars fans had other things on their mind. The need for right wing help, some more potential depth scorers, and Alexander Radulov were just a few of those hot topics. Why sign a young and unproven forward to a long-term deal?

Dallas Stars

Whatever the case was, Stars’ GM Jim Nill saw something that he liked and made the move. Pitlick was the first new Star signed during the free agency period.

As training camp and the preseason approached, Dallas had an overstocking of NHL-ready forwards on their roster and had to make some decisions. Some players considered “on the bubble” of making the roster included Curtis McKenzie, Gemel Smith, Remi Elie, Jason Dickinson, Brian Flynn, and yes, Tyler Pitlick.

While it was unlikely that Pitlick would play in the AHL due to the terms of his contract, a starting spot was not guaranteed. Pitlick had plenty of competition to work through in camp and the preseason.

And surely enough, he proved himself and earned a starting spot in time for opening night.

After locking in a spot, the next question dealt with what Pitlick’s contributions/ceiling would be. Through eight games, it’s still undetermined as to whether he actually does have a ceiling.

Tyler Pitlick has started in all eight games so far and has proven to be one of the Stars’ most effective forwards. He has two goals and two assists on the year along with a +1 rating. He’s done all of this while playing fourth line minutes and is averaging just 10:42 on the ice per game.

Pitlick provides influential depth scoring and has found excellent chemistry with Antoine Roussel and Radek Faksa.

The most notable part of Pitlick’s play this season is probably his grit. Whenever he is on the ice, no. 18 is using all of his energy and giving his all for the team. He’s a gritty player that digs into the corners, goes toe-to-toe with the opposition and gets under their skin, and is constantly buzzing on the ice. Heck, the guy has already flown through the air twice after tripping over the opposing goaltender while trying to score on the doorstep.

And it’s not just at even strength. Pitlick is also an effective member of the special teams unit. He’s a valued member of the penalty kill and is a large contributor to the third best penalty kill in the league (90.0 percent).

All of these characteristics make Pitlick look like the new Patrick Eaves. Only this time, he’s younger, faster, and has higher potential.