Taylor Pyatt facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Taylor Pyatt
Pyatt with the Penguins in 2014.
Born	(1981-08-19) August 19, 1981 (age 43) Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
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
NHL Draft	8th overall, 1999 New York Islanders
Playing career	1999–2015

Taylor William Pyatt (born August 19, 1981) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He played as a left winger in the National Hockey League (NHL). Taylor played for several teams, including the New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins. He was drafted from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

Playing Career

Starting His Hockey Journey

Taylor Pyatt played 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. This includes goals and assists. Because of his great play, the New York Islanders picked him. This happened in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. He was the eighth player chosen overall. In his final season with Sudbury, Taylor scored 89 points. He was named to the OHL First All-Star Team.

Playing for the Islanders and Sabres

In the 2000–01 season, Taylor Pyatt joined the New York Islanders. He was the only player on the team without NHL experience. On November 27, 2000, he scored his first NHL goal. It was against the Tampa Bay Lightning. After his first season, the Islanders traded him. He went to the Buffalo Sabres with another player.

During the 2004–05 season, NHL games were paused. Taylor went to Sweden to play hockey. He played for Hammarby IF.

Time with the Vancouver Canucks

After four seasons with Buffalo, Taylor was traded again. On July 14, 2006, he joined the Vancouver Canucks. He played on the Canucks' top line. He played with famous twin brothers, Henrik and Daniel Sedin. This helped him score more goals and points. He reached a career high of 23 goals and 37 points.

Pyatt with the Canucks in 2007.

During the 2007–08 season, Taylor had an accident. On January 13, 2008, he was hit in the face with a stick. He needed many stitches on his upper lip. He also needed a splint for his teeth. When he returned to play, he wore a full face shield. Later, he chose to wear a visor for protection. Even with this injury, he matched his career high of 37 points. He also set a new record for assists with 21.

In the next season, Taylor was out for eight games. He hurt his foot on December 17, 2008. He returned for the playoffs. After the Canucks were eliminated, he needed knee surgery.

Joining the Phoenix Coyotes

Taylor Pyatt became a free agent on July 1, 2009. This means he could sign with any team. Two months later, he signed with the Phoenix Coyotes. He missed the first five games of his first season with the Coyotes. He had a lower body injury.

One month after returning, he played against his younger brother, Tom Pyatt. Tom played for the Montreal Canadiens. This was their first time playing against each other. On December 23, 2009, Taylor scored his 200th NHL point. Near the end of the season, he got a "Gordie Howe hat trick." This means he scored a goal, made an assist, and got into a fight in one game. The Coyotes made it to the playoffs that year.

Pyatt with the Coyotes in 2010.

On June 21, 2010, Taylor signed a new contract with Phoenix. In his second season, he started scoring more often. However, on December 20, 2010, he got an upper body injury. This happened during a fight in a game. He missed four games but returned soon after.

Playing for the Rangers and Penguins

On July 3, 2012, Taylor signed with the New York Rangers. He signed a two-year contract. In his last year with the Rangers, he was picked up by the Pittsburgh Penguins. This happened on January 2, 2014. He scored his first goal with the Penguins on January 15, 2014. It was against the Washington Capitals. He scored three more goals that season. He did not play in the 2014 playoffs.

Playing in Switzerland and Retiring

On July 24, 2014, Taylor Pyatt moved to Switzerland. He signed a one-year contract with Genève-Servette HC. For the first time in his career, he played on the same team as his brother, Tom Pyatt.

After one season in Switzerland, Taylor decided to retire. This was his 15th season playing professional hockey.

Personal Life

Taylor Pyatt is one of three sons of Kathie and Nelson Pyatt. His father, Nelson, was also a former NHL player. Taylor's younger brother, Tom Pyatt, also played professional ice hockey.

Career Statistics

Awards and Achievements