Edmonton Oilers Would Make Mistake Not Re-Signing Pitlick

The Edmonton Oilers have a lot of work to do this offseason. Though they are obviously a playoff-built team, there is a still room for improvement and small tweaks to be made.

Edmonton Oilers

One of the areas that the Oilers have to address is their free agent situation. With the expansion draft around the corner, the team has to worry about who they will protect, and also needs to address pending free agents. One of them is Tyler Pitlick.

Though a forgotten player in the craze of this season, Pitlick is a key prospect and signing for this organization. He is a solid winger who brings a lot of effort, dedication and determination to the lineup, as well as speed, skill and stickhandling. The only area that he struggles in, of course, is being extremely prone to injury.

His Impact

Prior to being out for the season with a leg injury, Pitlick was putting up solid numbers in a short stint with the top six. Through 31 games this season, Pitlick had eight goals and 11 points. He also had a point in four of the last five games he played and finished his season on a roll.

He was outstanding before his season was interrupted by yet another injury. There is a bright future for him, and despite the adversity he faced, he never stopped putting in effort. Additionally, he made the opening night roster against all odds, and added extra depth to the right wing, where the group is clearly struggling.

In the end, Pitlick would be a cheap signing that would bring a lot of depth to the organization. He is a solid player and an all-around guy on and off the ice. The 25-year-old not only brings effort but the devotion that the Oilers need on a hockey team. By the same token, he is still young and on the rise, and needs to be given at least a chance.