Taylor Pyatt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Taylor Pyatt |
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Pyatt with the Penguins in 2014.
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| Born | August 19, 1981 Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada |
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| Height | 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) | ||
| Weight | 235 lb (107 kg; 16 st 11 lb) | ||
| Position | Left wing | ||
| Shot | Left | ||
| Played for | New York Islanders Buffalo Sabres Vancouver Canucks Phoenix Coyotes New York Rangers Pittsburgh Penguins Genève-Servette HC |
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| NHL Draft | 8th overall, 1999 New York Islanders |
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| Playing career | 1999–2015 | ||
Taylor William Pyatt, born on August 19, 1981, is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for several teams. These teams included the New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, Phoenix Coyotes, New York Rangers, and Pittsburgh Penguins. Before joining the NHL, he played major junior hockey with the Sudbury Wolves in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
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Taylor Pyatt's Hockey Journey
Starting in Junior Hockey
Taylor Pyatt began his hockey career playing three seasons with the Sudbury Wolves. This team is part of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). In his second OHL season, he scored 75 points in 68 games. Because of his great performance, the New York Islanders picked him eighth overall in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. The next season, his final one with Sudbury, Pyatt scored 89 points in 68 games. He was even named to the OHL First All-Star Team.
Playing for the Islanders and Sabres
In the 2000–01 season, Pyatt joined the New York Islanders. He was the only player on the team without previous NHL experience. On November 27, 2000, he scored his very first NHL goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning. After his first season, where he earned 18 points in 78 games, the Islanders traded him. He went to the Buffalo Sabres along with Tim Connolly. In return, the Islanders received Michael Peca.
During the 2004–05 NHL lockout, Pyatt played hockey overseas. He joined Hammarby IF in Sweden.
Time with the Vancouver Canucks
After playing four seasons with Buffalo, Pyatt was traded to the Vancouver Canucks on July 14, 2006. He played on the Canucks' top line with the famous twin brothers, Henrik and Daniel Sedin. This helped him achieve his best scores in goals and points. He scored 23 goals and earned 37 points that season.
During the 2007–08 season, Pyatt had a scary moment. On January 13, 2008, he was hit in the face by a stick during a game. He needed 25 stitches on his upper lip. After this, he wore a full face shield when he returned to play. He then chose to wear a visor for the rest of his time with Vancouver. Even though he was moved from the top line, Pyatt still matched his career high of 37 points. He also set a new personal best with 21 assists.
In the 2008–09 season, Pyatt missed eight games due to a foot injury. This happened on December 17, 2008. He returned to play in the 2009 playoffs. After the Canucks were eliminated, it was announced that Pyatt needed knee surgery.
Playing for the Phoenix Coyotes
After his contract with the Canucks ended, Pyatt became a free agent on July 1, 2009. Two months later, he signed a one-year contract with the Phoenix Coyotes. He missed the first five games of his first season with the Coyotes due to a lower body injury.
One month after returning, he played against his younger brother, Tom Pyatt, for the first time. Tom played for the Montreal Canadiens. On December 23, 2009, Pyatt scored his 200th career NHL point. This happened in a game against the Anaheim Ducks. Near the end of the season, Pyatt achieved a "Gordie Howe hat trick." This means he scored a goal, got an assist, and had a fight in the same game. The Coyotes won and made it to the playoffs for the first time in seven seasons. Pyatt finished the season with 12 goals and 23 points. In the playoffs, he scored one goal and one assist.
On June 21, 2010, Pyatt signed a new two-year contract with Phoenix. In his second season with the Coyotes, he started scoring more often. However, on December 20, 2010, he got an upper body injury during a fight. He missed four games but returned for the New Year's Eve game.
With the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins
On July 3, 2012, Pyatt signed a two-year contract with the New York Rangers. In the last year of his contract, on January 2, 2014, the Pittsburgh Penguins claimed him. He scored his first goal with the Penguins on January 15, 2014. He scored three more goals that season. He did not play in the 2014 playoffs.
Playing in Switzerland and Retirement
On July 24, 2014, Pyatt signed a one-year contract with a Swiss team, Genève-Servette HC. This was the first time in his career that he played on the same team as his brother, Tom Pyatt.
After one season in Switzerland, which was his 15th professional season, Taylor Pyatt retired from playing professional hockey.
About Taylor Pyatt's Family
Taylor Pyatt is one of three sons of Kathie and Nelson Pyatt. His father, Nelson, was also a professional NHL player. Taylor's younger brother, Tom Pyatt, who is six years younger, also played professional ice hockey.
Awards and Achievements
Junior Hockey Awards
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NHL Awards
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Images for kids
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Pyatt with the Penguins in 2014.
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Pyatt with the Canucks in 2007.
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Pyatt with the Coyotes in 2010.
