ST PAUL, Minn. — Former University of Minnesota center Rem Pitlick will make his NHL debut when the Nashville Predators visit the Minnesota Wild Monday night.
“It’s super exciting, and I’m really grateful for this opportunity,” said Pitlick. “It’s pretty cool that I’m able to make my debut at home in front of my friends and family, so it’s going to be awesome.”
After the Gophers lost to Notre Dame in the Big Ten Tournament, the Plymouth native decided to forego his final year of eligibility and signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Predators.
“It wasn’t really a quick decision, obviously there was some sort of timetable and I needed to get it done sooner rather than later but obviously I was considering both sides,” said Pitlick. “This is the choice I made so both feet are in, full steam ahead and I’m just super excited to be here.”
The 21-year-old tallied 21 goals and 23 assists, a career high, while earning All-Big Ten first-team honors this season.
“With everything that’s been going on it feels much longer than a week and a half,” said Pitlick. “I’ve already learned so much and it’s been an amazing experience.”
Pitlick played his high school hockey at Shattuck St. Mary's, before logging two years of junior hockey in the USHL and moving on to the Gophers. He was selected by Nashville in the 3rd round of the 2016 NHL draft, 76th overall.