Tyler Pitlick Clears Waivers, Stays With Wild for Road Trip Opener in Edmonton
The Minnesota Wild are hitting the road for a four-game swing, and veteran forward Tyler Pitlick is coming along for the ride.
After being placed on waivers Sunday, Pitlick cleared on Monday and will remain with the team as they open the trip Tuesday night against the Edmonton Oilers. Despite the move, the 34-year-old forward is expected to be in the lineup when the puck drops in Edmonton.
Pitlick has suited up for 15 games this season with the Wild. While he hasn’t found the scoresheet yet-no goals, no assists-his physical presence has been felt. He’s registered 11 shots and dished out 35 hits, carving out a role as a bottom-six grinder who brings energy and grit to the lineup.
For a team that’s been battling injuries and looking to stabilize its depth, Pitlick’s experience and physicality offer value beyond the box score. He’s the kind of player coaches trust in tough minutes-on the forecheck, on the boards, and in defensive-zone starts. And while the offensive production hasn’t been there, his role isn’t about lighting the lamp; it’s about doing the dirty work that helps set the tone.
The Wild, sitting at 14-7-5, are looking to build momentum on this road trip, and Tuesday’s matchup against the 11-10-5 Oilers is a chance to keep pushing forward in a tight Western Conference race. With Vinnie Hinostroza sidelined for the next 4-to-6 weeks due to a lower-body injury, Pitlick’s spot in the lineup becomes even more important.
Also notable for Minnesota: the team is committing to a goalie rotation between Filip Gustavsson and rookie Jesper Wallstedt, who’s been turning heads-not just with his play, but with his post-win arrow celebration that’s quickly becoming a fan favorite. And speaking of milestones, star winger Kirill Kaprizov recently became the fastest player in franchise history to reach 200 goals-a testament to his elite scoring ability and consistent impact.
As the Wild begin their road trip, they’ll be relying on contributions from all corners of the roster. Pitlick may not be filling the highlight reel, but his presence could be key in helping Minnesota grind out crucial points away from home.