Ottawa Senators: Tom Pyatt 2017-2018 Season Preview
It may just be August but the 2017-2018 NHL season will be on our hands before we know it. Training Camp will start in September and all the players will be brought together as they prepare for another season. With August as a down month in the NHL I thought this would be a great time to preview each of the players on the Ottawa Senators for next season.
Last season Tom Pyatt returned to the NHL after spending two years overseas in the Swiss League. Pyatt was brought back to the NHL with the Ottawa Senators because of a recommendation by new Head Coach Guy Boucher.
The only previous NHL head coaching experience that Guy Boucher had was with the Tampa Bay Lightning. During that time he was rather successful. Throughout his entire coaching career Boucher has a history of having favourite players. During his time in Tampa, Pyatt was a favourite of Boucher. As a result of their history the Sens signed Pyatt to a one-year contract.
Last Season And Looking Ahead
During his first season back in the NHL and his first season with the Ottawa Senators, Pyatt scored 23 points while playing all 82 games. In 14 games in the playoffs he contributed just 2 points, both goals.
Although Pyatt did not contribute significantly in terms of points, he was a valuable asset for the Ottawa Senators. He was a good penalty killer and was a workhorse for Head Coach Guy Boucher. He was the type of player that could be relied on in any situation and he was never a liability.
Next: Ottawa Senators: Zack Smith 2017-2018 Season Preview
Going into next season, Pyatt is fresh off a new contract where he will be paid 2.2 million over two seasons. Expect Pyatt to play on the wing on the third line along with Pageau and Smith at the start of the season. This is likely where he will play for the duration of the season unless a young player surpasses him in the lineup. The only young player threatening for an NHL spot is Colin White. However, Pyatt is not likely to lose his job as he’s a favourite of Boucher. Worst case for Pyatt is he moves down to the fourth line. Expect a solid, defensively sound season from Pyatt.