Saturday, June 26, 2010

Oilers Pick at 31: Tyler Pitlick
















ISS: 20
Redline: 30
Bob McKenzie: 25

Bob McKenzie: Tyler Pitlick is the nephew of former NHL defenceman Lance Pitlick and scored 11 goals as a freshman at Mankato State University. A late 1991 birthdate, he was an offensive player in the Minnesota high school system but will have to prove he can put up numbers with each step up in competition, but he plays a solid enough all-around game to garner first round consideration.

Redline: 30th
Began season playing the wing on a scoring line, but spent the last quarter of the year shouldering more responsibility centering Mankato's third line. Accelerates briskly out of cross-over and blows by defenders. Has an NHL calibre shot right now. Flashed the ability to power through defenders. Can gain separation in corners with sharp twists and can turn on a dime. Patient playmaker. Long-limbed with farmboy like strength. Aggressive and finished checks. Can shield the puck and work it down low, but often gives it up due to his eagerness to come off the wall and attempt to dance around defenders. Work in progress defensively - will come back deep and battle for the puck but lacks awareness in coverage assignments. Green in many facets and was stuck on a Mankato team that was every man for himself, but was a big-time talent.
Projection - Versatile 3rd line checker who chips in on "O"
Style compares to: Max Pacioretty


ISS: A big hard-nosed centerman who can play with finesse and power. It’s that combination of skill and brawn that makes Pitlick such an intriguing prospect. ... His hands are quick and smart and he moves the puck quickly with good accuracy. He plays smart all over and shoots the puck very well, with his feet moving."

6.02, 195. 2009-10: Minnesota State (NCAA) 38gp, 11-8-19 E 27pims.

25 comments:

  1. Love the pick. Complete C with Kesler edge and offensive upside.

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  2. Now they need to make a trade and grab a defender. :-)

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  3. Can't ask for much more, when they take the guy rated highest on our lists at both picks, hey LT ;)

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  4. From what I read -- because I really don't watch junior or non-NHL hockey -- this seems like a damn fine start and as previously mentioned a Nash replacement.

    And yes let's see if we can cull the herd -- LT TM -- and improve upon our D corps.

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  5. speeds: Yeah, and I think we need to give MBS some credit for staying the course and not going wonky. Oilers did that quite a few times (2nd round reaches) under KP.

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  6. Who's highest left from your list, or are they all gone?

    Weal, Toffoli, McKegg for me, I think from a quick glance.

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  7. Toffoli can't skate and has no hockey sense. Please no.

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  8. Traktor/Lowetide:

    Now I'm really hoping we get him so you two have someone other than Horcoff to argue about.

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  9. EDM trades Nash to CAR for 46 OV, drafts Marincin.

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  10. Marincin's a great pick, but I'm bummed they sold low on Nash.

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  11. MacKenzie says that 13's gonna be dealt; didn't catch if he said it would happen today but that was how I took it.

    As for Riley I'd like to hear what happened there. Edm moved up and went off the board to take him and three years later he's gone.

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  12. Exactly. You don't deal a player away you reached for, especially if he's improving every year.

    Certainly other prospects have passed Nash, but what does it hurt to wait another year...

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  13. He's our centre of the future. Unfortunately, about five years in the future.

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  14. He's our centre of the future. Unfortunately, about five years in the future.

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  15. He's our centre of the future. Unfortunately, about five years in the future.

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  16. He's our centre of the future. Unfortunately, about five years in the future.

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