Tampa Bay Lightning Season Forecast: Forward Edition

Apr 2, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center

(11) prepares to take a shot during the second period against the Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Douglas Jones-USA TODAY Sports

#11 Tom Pyatt
2013 (NHL): 43-8-8-16

Tom Pyatt is coming off what was probably the best season of his NHL career. He scored 16 points in 43 games, whereas the previous season he scored 19 in 74. Better, he was one of the few Lightning players that finished the year with a plus-rating, whereas the season before he finished a dismal -19.

Pyatt is versatile player that can play either center or the wing. You’ll usually find him on the fourth line, but you might also find him on a scoring line, and hey, sometimes you might find him a healthy scratch. It’s all on the table with Pyatt.

What Pyatt provides is decent skill, but he doesn’t do anything that’s going to blow you away. He’s primarily a defensive player, and he’s an adequate penalty killer.

What he provides: Versatility, energy on lower lines.

Where he’ll play: Primarily 4th line, probably on Nate Thompson‘s wing, occasional healthy scratch.

Best case scenario: Solid two-way play.

Worst case scenario: Struggles to crack the lineup and is waived/traded.

Forecast: 20 points, but will struggle to get icetime.