Tyler Pitlick looking forward to fresh start with Dallas Stars

FRISCO, Texas — It was a summer of new beginnings for Tyler Pitlick.

For the first time in his career he changed NHL organizations, signing a three-year, $3 million contract with the Dallas Stars on July 1 after six seasons with the Edmonton Oilers organization. He has a “new” surgically repaired knee after a season-ending ACL injury in 2016, and he got married in late July.

Now the 25-year-old is trying to create some normalcy in Texas. That’s one of the main reasons he’s already moved to the Dallas area and is amongst the Stars players already working out at the team headquarters in Frisco.

“It’s been really good,” Pitlick said. “It’s nice to get here and get to know everybody, and really feel comfortable with the guys and the staff.”

Pitlick doesn’t have many existing connections on the Stars. He does have memories of playing against particular players, but nothing that you would define as a friendship.

“Personally I didn’t know anyone (in Dallas),” Pitlick said. “I played against (Antoine) Roussel a lot in the minors, and (Curtis) McKenzie and those guys. So I’ve definitely played against quite a few of them.”

So far Pitlick has enjoyed his limited time with his new Stars teammates. At the informal skate on Wednesday a dozen Dallas players took part in drills and a modified scrimmage alongside a handful local NHL players (including former Stars goalie and current Pittsburgh Penguin Antti Niemi). Pitlick said it’s a chance to build some chemistry and build some momentum for training camp.

And it’s a training camp that Pitlick is particularly looking forward to. He wants to put his extensive injury history behind him and he says the knee is ready to.

“It’s something I’ve had to deal with throughout my career. Hopefully this is the last one,” Pitlick said. “I’m used to it, so I kind of knew what it was gonna take to get myself back and ready to be out there on a level to compete. So worked hard and ready to go.”

Overall Pitlick said joining the Stars was a smart career move and he’s “always had a soft spot for Texas” after his time in the AHL with the Oklahoma City Barons.

“I thought it was kind of a good move for my family,” Pitlick said. “And obviously made a lot of good moves this summer and it’s looking like we’re going to be a good team, a playoff team. A team that can make a push, and that’s important too.”