Tom Pyatt was selected 107th overall in the 2005 NHL entry draft by the New York Rangers. Pyatt spent his junior year playing for the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL. He spent a total of 4 seasons, from the 2003-2004 season to the 2006-2007 season, averaging around one point per game in his last three seasons. Tom Pyatt was a member of Team Canada’s junior world winning team in 2006 and 2007.
In 2007-2008, after being signed by the Rangers, Pyatt spent the year with New York’s AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolfpack, where he took on a more grueling role compared to his OHL play. After spending a full season with the Wolf Pack in 2008-2009, Tom Pyatt was brought over to the Canadiens as part of the Scott Gomez deal. During the 2009-2010 season, Pyatt split his time between Hamilton and Montreal.
Tom Pyatt plays a hard-nosed grind type of game and gives 100% every turn. Pyatt has the potential to become a good NHL player by taking on a third-string shredder role. He is capable of killing penalties and is defensively responsible 5v5. Pyatt is a great skater with lots of speed and maneuverability. He is not afraid of getting dirty and humbles himself on the ice. He received the OHL’s Most Sporting Player award in 2007 with just an 18-minute penalty.
Take Pyatt noted for his speed. He is a very fast and agile player, which makes him perfect for killing penalties and putting pressure on the ball. Another of Pyatt’s strengths is his ability to play center and wing. He is one of those players who is very coachable. Humble and calm, Pyatt is someone who listens to instructions and takes action. He’s also defensively responsible, especially during pre- and post-game transition control with a steamy head.
One of the drawbacks of Tom Pyatt is its small size. He is 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 180 pounds. Because of this, Pyatt has a hard time winning one-on-one battles in the corner. Because he has trouble making his presence felt, you’ll often see him on the ice while his team is pinned down in his own zone. 2010-2011 was Pyatt’s rookie season with the Canadiens. He has a lot to learn if he wants to be an even more effective player at the NHL level.
Tom Pyatt has the genetics of a hockey player, his father Nelson Pyatt is a former NHL player. Tom’s brother, Taylor Pyatt, currently plays for the Phoenix Coyotes.
