Tyler Pitlick Bio
Tyler Pitlick is an American professional ice hockey forward who plays for the Minnesota Wild in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on November 1, 1991, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he was drafted 31st overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Pitlick has had a diverse career across multiple teams, showcasing his skills as a center and contributing to the teams he has played for since beginning his professional career in 2011.
Early Life and Background
Tyler Pitlick was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and grew up in Champlin, Minnesota. He later moved to Lino Lakes and then Centerville during middle school to live with his mother, Amy. His father, John Pitlick, worked as a researcher in Minneapolis and also served as a local hockey coach, although he chose not to coach his son. This family background provided Tyler with an early exposure to the sport of hockey.
Path to Hockey
Tyler Pitlick began his hockey journey playing at the youth level before advancing to high school hockey. He played a freshman season with Minnesota State University, Mankato, and then transitioned to major junior hockey with the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League. His performance in junior hockey led to his selection in the second round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft by the Edmonton Oilers, marking a significant milestone in his early career.
Tyler Pitlick Career
Early Career (2011–2017)
After being drafted, Tyler Pitlick signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers on April 13, 2011. He was assigned to the Oklahoma City Barons, the Oilers’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, for the 2011-12 season. In his rookie AHL season, he scored seven goals and 23 points in 62 games, establishing himself as a regular member of the roster. However, his early career was marked by injuries, including a concussion and a knee injury, which limited his playing time.
Breakthrough (2013–2017)
Pitlick made his NHL debut on October 22, 2013, after being called up to the Edmonton Oilers. He scored his first NHL goal just four days later against the Phoenix Coyotes. Despite facing several injuries during his time with the Oilers, he played a total of 11 games in the NHL during the 2013-14 season. After becoming a free agent, he signed a three-year contract with the Dallas Stars on July 1, 2017. In his first full season with the Stars, he played in 80 games, scoring 14 goals and 13 assists.
Notable Works and Milestones
Tyler Pitlick’s signature work includes his consistent performance as a reliable forward, particularly noted for his speed and energy on the ice. He has contributed significantly to the teams he has played for, including the Dallas Stars, where he had a breakout season in 2017-18.
Tyler Pitlick Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Tyler Pitlick has not received any major award nominations. However, his contributions to his teams have been recognized by coaches and teammates for his work ethic and performance on the ice.
Tyler Pitlick Awards Won
Tyler Pitlick has not won any major awards during his professional career. His focus has primarily been on contributing to his teams and improving his game.
Tyler Pitlick Family
Tyler Pitlick comes from a hockey-playing family. His uncle, Lance Pitlick, played 339 games in the NHL with the Florida Panthers and Ottawa Senators. His cousin, Rem Pitlick, was drafted 76th overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft and last played for the Chicago Blackhawks in 2024. Another cousin, Rhett Pitlick, has played NCAA hockey and was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in 2019.
Personal Life
Tyler Pitlick maintains a relatively private personal life. He is known for his dedication to the sport of hockey and his commitment to improving his skills on the ice. His family background in hockey has played a significant role in shaping his career and passion for the game.
