The Phoenix Coyotes signed free agent forward Taylor Pyatt to a one year $600,000 contract.   Last season with the Canucks, Pyatt made $1,575,000.

The twenty eight year old Pyatt played for the Vancouver Canucks last season where he scored ten goals, nine assists for nineteen points in a tragedy shortened season.

On April 2, 2009 Pyatt’s fiancee was killed in a car accident while on holiday in Jamaica. Here’s the TSN report about his fiancee’s death:

This is a smart move by Coyotes GM Don Maloney as he’s following up with his promise to bring in more veteran bodies to bolster last season’s lineup.

Just as a reminder to Coyotes fans last season, the main problem/weakness that the Coyotes had was the lack of organizational depth when core/veteran players went down with injury. At the All-Star Break the Coyotes were 5th in the west and finding ways to win every game. Then the injuries happened on the roster. With all the youth filling in for players going on and off the IR there was no way the Coyotes could expect players with little to no NHL experience to carry the team into the playoffs.

At the end of the season, Maloney acknowledged this challenge with the team and promised change.

By signing Pyatt, Maloney has shown that he is sticking true to his word by bringing in more experienced veteran depth to the roster.

So what does Pyatt bring to the table?

Quite a bit.

Pyatt has been placed into offensive roles with the Sedin twins and has put up nearly 40 points in two straight seasons.   He’s also been put into defensive situations, mainly on PK roles, and can throw his body around when needed.  Pyatt doesn’t make too many mistakes (if at all) on the ice and when he does he doesn’t make the same one twice.

Pyatt is player that has been asked by coaches to wear many hats during his time in Vancouver and he’s done so without any complaints.  However, due to the depth and talent on the Canucks Roster the past couple of seasons, his talents have not been fully realized.    Pyatt also has great character and is a great person to have in the locker room as well.

In short, Don Maloney signing Pyatt gives Gretzky many options on where Pyatt can be plugged into the roster.

What Pyatt brings to the table can be thought of as a variable Swiss Army Knife.  He’s got the talent to play just about any role on the ice.  It’s just up to Coyotes Head Coach Wayne Gretzky on where he’s going to play.

The only thing to worry about with Pyatt in the coming season is if the tragedy he experienced with the passing of his fiancee last season will affect him on the ice this season.

It’s probably best that he found a change of scenery by not re-signing with the Canucks.  Myself and all Coyotes fans will not only welcome him to Phoenix but hope nothing but the best for him this season.