In head coach Darryl Sutter's quest to get more toughness in the Flames' lineup, the acquisition of Pitlick from the Kraken makes a ton of sense. The 29-year-old is a versatile forward who can play center or wing, and he'll provide some defensive stability to a roster that often lacked that up front last year. Pitlick only produced 11 points in 38 games with the Coyotes in 2020-21, but he added 81 hits and 56 shots on goal. Assuming Sean Monahan stays at his natural center position, Pitlick will likely line up on the wing of steady veteran Mikael Backlund on the third line. Pitlick should push for 20 points, 120 hits and perhaps even a net-front role on the second power-play unit with his 6-foot-2 frame. His physicality will likely be the main point of appeal in deeper fantasy formats.
Pitlick returned to the 20-point mark in 2019-20, posting eight goals and 12 helpers across 63 contests with the Flyers. He also maintained a plus-11 rating, the best of his career. He shouldn't be counted on for too much offense, but the Minnesota native will bring a little sandpaper to the Coyotes' bottom-six after recording a career-high 132 hits last year. The 29-year-old can be considered a selective shooter -- he's only topped 100 shots in a season once, and he's also maintained a shooting percentage north of 10 percent throughout his career. His versatility as a center or a winger should keep Pitlick in the lineup more often than not when healthy.
A wrist injury cost Pitlick about 10 weeks last year, sidelining him from mid-January to late March and preventing him from building on his encouraging first season with the Stars. The 27-year-old has established himself as a reliable bottom-six contributor and, at least when he was healthy, had embraced rookie head coach Jim Montgomery's aggressive style of play, racking up nearly two hits a game. Traded to Philadelphia in the offseason, he should fill a similar role for the Flyers on a roster that's even deeper up the middle than the one he left behind in Dallas.
After never getting a real chance to show what he's capable of with Edmonton, Pitlick enjoyed his first season in the Lone Star State, posting career highs in goals, points, shots and ice time. The 26-year-old has never shown the goal-scoring potential in the NHL that he flashed in the NCAA, but he has the size, skills and hockey IQ to be a reliable bottom-six contributor now that he's gained some experience at the top level. Dallas is on the hunt for secondary scoring, but unless he really opens some eyes in training camp, Pitlick seems like a long shot to supply it.
Pitlick made an impact in Edmonton last year, scoring eight goals and 11 points in 31 games before he tore his ACL. He's a depth winger with offensive potential, but the oft-injured forward has a lot to prove coming back from an ACL tear.
Pitlick has yet to make his mark in Edmonton, and after signing a one-year, two-way contract this offseason, it's almost a certain guarantee that he will split his time between the big club and AHL Bakersfield in 2015-16. Pitlick's fantasy success is contingent on him playing alongside talented linemates, but a top-six opportunity doesn't appear to be in the cards at any point this season. The Oilers may feel it is better at this point for Pitlick to play significant minutes in the AHL rather than less than 10 minutes per night in the NHL.
Pitlick made his NHL debut in 2013-14 and scored his first goal, but it was his only goal in 10 games. But the door of opportunity is open for the center to secure a full-time gig in Edmonton this season. Outside of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins' hold on the top line, every other line has an opening at center. Pitlick would need a tremedous camp to win the second-line job, but his energy would be a great fit on the third or fourth line. His fantasy value will be limited in that role, but he'll be earning an NHL contract.
Pitlick has all the tools to be a productive forward at the NHL level. He has soft hands, a plus shot, good size and sees the ice well. His first season in the AHL wasn't eye opening, but it wasn't terrible either as he had seven goals and 16 assists. He should be no worse than a third-line player when he does break into the NHL. He'll return to the AHL for 2012-13.
Pitlick is known as a pure goal scorer with great offensive potential and in his first season in the WHL, he did not disappoint with 27 goals and 62 points in 56 games. He is unlikely to begin the season with Edmonton, but will probably take the next step in his progression and play with Oklahoma City of the AHL.
Another high upside player in the Oilers system. Pitlick has been described as a pure goal scorer, but disappointed last season with only 11 goals in 38 games for the University of Minnesota. The Oilers will send him to the WHL this season to find out where his career path will lead to.
